Great Basin Native Plant
Selection and Increase Project
FY06 Progress Report
USDI Bureau of Land Management Great Basin Restoration Initiative
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and Boise, ID
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, UT
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT
Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, Moline, IL
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Idaho, Utah, Nevada,
and the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
USDA Forest Service, National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station,
Pullman, WA
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR
USDA Agricultural Research Service,
Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR
Great Basin Native Plant
Selection and Increase Project
FY06 Progress Report
March 2007
COOPERATORS
USDI Bureau of Land Management, Great Basin Restoration Initiative
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and Aquatic Sciences Laboratory, Boise, ID
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, UT
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT
Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies, Moline, IL
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho, Utah, Nevada,
and Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
USDA Forest Service, National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station,
Pullman, WA
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR
USDA Agricultural Research Service,
Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR
i
Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project
FY06 Progress Report
Introduction
The use of native plants for rehabilitation after wildfires and restoration of disturbed
wildlands is being encouraged by various BLM programs, initiatives, and policies. Examples
include the 2001-2006 Interior Appropriations Bills, the Great Basin Restoration Initiative,
Departmental guidance (DOI Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Manual), Executive
Order 13112 (Invasive Species – 2/99) and the BLM’s Standards for Rangeland Health. The
2007 USDI Healthy Lands Initiative calls for landscape-scale restoration to reduce the spread
of invasive species and re-establish native communities.
This project integrates several proposals to increase native plant production and use within the
Great Basin, utilizing an applied science approach in a collaborative project. Original partners
in this proposal included BLM (Utah, Idaho, and Nevada); USDA Forest Service, Rocky
Mountain Research Station, Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystems Program, Boise, ID
and Provo, UT; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim,
UT; Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT; USDA Agricultural Research Service,
Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT; and USDA Agricultural Research
Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratories, Logan, UT. Other cooperators have been
added over time to address specific research issues.
Project Priorities
The project covers development of native plant materials and practices for their use on
degraded rangelands. Initial and ongoing priorities include: 1) development of native plant
materials for restoration and the cultural practices required for their increase; 2) management
or re-establishment of wildland seed sources; 3) technology to improve the diversity of
introduced species monocultures; and 4) technology transfer. Focus of the Project is now
shifting to include development of application strategies and technologies to improve native
plant establishment. New projects in 2006 included studies to evaluate rangeland drills and
determine appropriate native seed application rates. The BLM representatives recommend that
following identification of a funding level for this proposal, the BLM representatives, with
input from the cooperators, will develop priorities, given the available funding.
This document provides a review of work completed in 2006. Appendix I summarizes
ongoing plant materials research and the principal investigators for each study.
Funding Strategy
This effort requires sustained funding over a long period to be successful. To meet this need,
Interagency Agreements are used to transfer the majority of the approved funds to the USDA
FS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Program.
ii
Mike Pellant, Great Basin Restoration Initiative Coordinator, is the Contracting Officer’s
Representative for the Agreement. The BLM representatives recommend that following
identification of annual funding levels, the BLM representatives, with input from the
cooperators, will develop priorities. The Rocky Mountain Research, Grassland, Shrubland and
Desert Ecosystems Program prepares or amends agreements with the other cooperators on this
project and distributes funding to these other entities per the Interagency Agreement and
annual task orders. The Rocky Mountain Research Station assesses a reasonable 12% indirect
charge used internally to administer this assistance agreement with BLM for in-house
funding. No indirect charge is assessed on pass-through funds to cooperators. An estimated 20
WM’s per year will be required from FY02-08 for BLM coordination in the states of Utah,
Oregon and Nevada, however, BLM will pursue these needs outside of this agreement.
Acknowledgments
We thank our collaborators for their expertise and in kind contributions that have made it
possible to address the many issues involved in native plant materials development and use.
We offer a special thanks to Durant McArthur for his continuing support and to Ann DeBolt
for her assistance in writing and compiling this report and for her contributions to the Project.
Nancy Shaw, Team Leader
Great Basin Native Plant
Selection and Increase Project
Mike Pellant, Coordinator
Great Basin Restoration Initiative
iii
Table of Contents
Nancy Shaw
Ann DeBolt
Robert Cox
Plant material development, seed technology and seed
production of Great Basin forbs..………..……………….…….1
Durant McArthur
Stewart Sanderson
Forb and shrub genetics research…………………….……….12
Scott Jensen
Status of work with Astragalus, Agoseris, Lupinus, Phlox,
And Hesperostipa.………..…….…………….……………....14
Jason Vernon
Therese Meyer
Alison Whittaker
Native plant material development and seed and seeding
technology for native Great Basin forbs and grasses…………19
R.C. Johnson
Barbara Hellier
Genetic diversity patterns of Allium acuminatum in the
Great Basin…………………………………………………....29
Loren St. John
Dan Ogle
Establishment and maintenance of certified Generation 1
(G1) seed. Propagation of native forbs. Plant display nursery
evaluation. Development of technology to improve the
diversity of introduced grass stands…………………….…….37
Tom Jones
Steve Larson
Mike Peel
Tom Monaco
Doug Johnson
Native plant genetics, ecophysiology, plant materials
development, and seed increase……….…….………….….…47
Val Anderson
Robert Johnson
Bruce Roundy
Agronomic and cultural care of wildland plants, and seed
yield losses in forbs (Asteraceae) due to fruit flies
(Tephritidae)……………………………….………………....53
Clinton C. Shock
Erik B.G. Feibert
Lamont Saunders
Seed production of native forbs shows little response to
irrigation in a wet year………………..……………………....60
Clinton C. Shock
Joey Ishida
Corey Ransom
Tolerance of seven native forbs to preemergence and ……….68
postemergence herbicides
Robert Karrfalt
Victor Vankus
Development of germination protocols, seed weight, purity,
and seed conditioning/cleaning protocols for Great Basin
grasses and forbs………………………………………….......80
iv
Brad Geary
Scott Jensen
Establishment of native plants through improved
propagation techniques and seedling disease control….……..83
James H. Cane
Pollinator and seed predator studies…………………..……...88
Robert Hammon
Insect pests of selected grass and forb species in the
Great Basin………………………………….……………..…93
Bruce A. Roundy
Val Anderson
Brad Jessop
April Hulet
Jennifer Coleman
Diversification of crested wheatgrass stands………..……….95
Bruce Roundy
Val Anderson
Brad Jessop
Jennifer Coleman
Wet thermal time modeling of seedling establishment……..101
Jane Mangold
Reestablishing native plant diversity in crested wheatgrass
stands in the Great Basin…………………………………....107
Harold Wiedemann
Revegetation equipment catalog …………………….……...114
Ann DeBolt
Chet Boruff
The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies
Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program………….……..116
Stanford Young
Michael Bouck
Establishment and maintenance of the buy-back program for
certified seed……..…………………………………….……120
APPENDIX
Appendix I.
Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of
Research Species……………………………………………………127
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Project Title:
Plant Material Development, Seed Technology and
Seed Production of Great Basin Forbs
Project Location:
USDA-FS-RMRS, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Boise, ID
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Nancy Shaw, Research Botanist
USDA-FS-RMRS, 322 East Front Street, Suite 401
Boise, ID 83702
208.373.4360, Fax: 208.373.4391
nshaw@fs.fed.us
Ann DeBolt, Botanist
USDA-FS-RMRS, 322 East Front Street, Suite 401
Boise, ID 83702
208.373.4366, Fax: 208.373.4391
adebolt@fs.fed.us
Robert Cox, Post-doctoral Research Ecologist
USDA-FS-RMRS, 322 East Front Street, Suite 401
Boise, ID 83702
208.373.4358, Fax: 208.373.4391
robertcox@fs.fed.us
Project Description:
Although forbs are components of most native communities, their use in revegetation has
been limited. This work is being conducted to provide plant materials, seed supplies, and
seed transfer guidelines for common forb species of the Great Basin. Efforts in Boise focus on
seven species in three families: Eriogonum umbellatum (Polygonaceae); Lomatium dissectum,
L. grayi, and L. triternatum (Apiaceae); and Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus, and P.
speciosus (Scrophulariaceae). Collaborative work in support of genecological research on
several important native grass species (Pseudoroegneria spicata, Achnatherum hymenoides,
and Poa secunda) led by project cooperators was initiated in 2006. We are beginning to
develop application strategies and technologies to improve establishment of diverse native
seedings that include species being developed through this project. Cooperative studies are
examining the interactions of native restoration species with exotic wheatgrasses and
invasives. We are also conducting a new project to evaluate rangeland drills, determine
appropriate native seed application rates, and examine approaches for improving the
establishment of Wyoming big sagebrush.
1
Project Status:
A. Native Plant Materials
1. Native Forbs (N. Shaw and A. DeBolt)
Penstemon spp.: In 2006, we made 11 bulk collections of P. acuminatus, 20 of P. deustus,
and 5 of P. speciosus. Individual plant collections were made for 34 Penstemon populations
(15-20 plants/population). Phenology, morphology, and seed production data were collected
from dryland gardens established in 2004 at Orchard (P. deustus) and Niagra Springs (P.
acuminatus). A new irrigated common garden of P. speciosus tubelings produced by the
Lucky Peak Nursery were planted at the Nursery (13 sources) in May 2006 and survival data
were collected in late summer.
Lomatium spp.: In 2006, we made 32 bulk collections of L. dissectum, 11 collections of L.
grayi, and 17 collections of L. triternatum. Individual plant collections were made for 14
populations. Phenology, morphology, and flower and seed production data were collected for
L. grayi and L. triternatum at the BSU common gardens established by direct seeding in fall
2004. Lomatium dissectum common gardens were established by direct seeding at Lucky
Peak Nursery (46 sources; early October) and at Wells (44 sources; late September) in 2006.
Eriogonum umbellatum: In 2006, we made 19 bulk collections of E. umbellatum and
individual plant collections from 12 populations. Common gardens of tubelings produced by
the FS Lucky Peak Nursery were planted at two irrigated locations, Lucky Peak Nursery (20
sources) and Boise State University (17 sources), and survival data were collected in late
summer. An additional common garden of E. umbellatum will be planted at the Orchard
dryland site in spring 2007.
2. Genecology of bluebunch wheatgrass (Brad St.Clair, R.C. Johnson, Nancy Shaw, Vicky
Erickson): Research to examine genetic variation of bluebunch wheatgrass
([Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve]) in relation to environmental gradients was
initiated in 2005. Common gardens of 127 populations and five cultivars were established at
Boise, ID; Pullman, WA; and Central Ferry, WA in fall 2006. Growth and phenological trait
data will be collected in 2007 and 2008 for use in developing guidelines for seed transfer in
the northern Great Basin and Pacific Northwest. (See also: Johnson and Hellier, this
document).
3. Seed collections (A. DeBolt): We made 142 bulk collections of 19 species and 69
individual plant collections (15-20 plants/population) of 14 species in 2006. These included:
a. Boise research species: 115 collections, emphasizing Lomatium dissectum and
Eriogonum umbellatum for common garden studies. Samples of the L. dissectum
collections were provided to USDA ARS Pullman for molecular genetics studies and
to USDA PNW for a genecology study.
b. Ephraim and Provo research species: 4 collections.
c. AOSCA project: Several collections.
2
d. USDA ARS Pullman, WA (R.C. Johnson): Twenty-five sources of Indian ricegrass
(Achnatherum hymenoides) for common garden studies, most of these were collected
through a contract with Berta Youtie, Eastern Oregon Stewardship Services.
e. National Seed Laboratory: 52 accessions of 12 species for seed germination studies
and development of seed cleaning protocols (Table 1).
f. University of Idaho (S. Love): 3 collections of sulfur buckwheat for horticultural
introduction evaluations.
g. USDA ARS EOARC, Burns (J. James): One collection of L. dissectum for
physiological research.
Table 1. Accessions provided to the National Seed Laboratory.
Scientifc Name
Aristida purpurea
Agoseris glauca
Astragalus eremiticus
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Crepis acuminata
Eriogonum heracleoides
Eriogonum umbellatum
Lomatium dissectum
Lomatium grayi
Lomatium triternatum
Penstemon acuminatus
Penstemon deustus
Common Name
No. Accessions
Purple threeawn
1
Pale agoseris
2
Hermit milkvetch
2
Arrowleaf balsamroot
1
Tapertip hawksbeard
1
Wyeth buckwheat
1
Sulfur buckwheat
5
Fernleaf biscuitroot
16
Gray's biscuitroot
4
Nineleaf biscuitroot
4
Sand penstemon
4
Hotrock penstemon
11
4. Forb increase at Lucky Peak Nursery (A. DeBolt): Pale agoseris (Agoseris glauca;
Nevada), rock buckwheat (Eriogonum sphaerocephalum; Oregon), Douglas false-yarrow
(Chaenactis douglasii; Idaho), and showy townsendia (Townsendia florifer; Idaho) were sown
in test plots at LPN in fall 2006 to evaluate their establishment and potential for seed
production.
5. Native Germplasms (N. Shaw, A. DeBolt): Several germplasms from the earlier
Greenstripping Program are to be released soon in cooperation with Steve Monsen:
a. Mountain Home Sandberg bluegrass: In cooperation with Mountain Home Air Force
Base personnel and volunteers, 11 pounds of seed were collected at the 100,000 acre
Saylor Creek Bombing Range on May 25-26. G0 seed (6.5 pounds) was distributed to
a grower for increase and the remainder was sent to UCIA for the Buy-back program.
The release notice is being drafted.
b. Eagle western yarrow: The release notice is being drafted.
c. Orchard Thurber’s needlegrass: About 3.5 pounds of seed was collected southeast of
Boise on June 6, 2006. G0 seed (2.5 pounds) was distributed to a grower for increase
and the remainder was sent to UCIA for the Buy-back program. The release notice is
being drafted.
3
6. Enclosure maintenance (A. DeBolt):
Boise State University: Control of rush skeletonweed has substantially reduced weed
problems at this site.
Lucky Peak Shrub Garden: Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) treatment is being
continued in this 16-ha enclosure. Herbicide was spot-applied as needed on
previously treated sites and an additional 1 ha was given initial treatment in 2006.
Orovada: A 2-ha area was sprayed with Round-up in spring to prepare new areas for
future common garden plantings. The existing exclosure fence was repaired to ensure
livestock exclusion.
Orchard: The enclosure fence was repaired by a BLM fire crew. Wildlife depredation
(badgers, ground squirrels, jack rabbits) of plantings continues to be a problem.
Wells: Expansion of the enclosure was delayed until funds are available.
B. Restoration Ecology and Technology
1. Reestablishing diverse native Wyoming big sagebrush communities: a comparison of
seeding equipment and techniques (R. Cox, N. Shaw, M. Pellant, and NRCS and Elko
District BLM cooperators)
To evaluate the capabilities of the Kemmerer
rangeland drill and the Truax RoughRider drill to
seed seeds of diverse sizes and shapes at appropriate
depths to reestablish grasses, forbs, and shrubs on
former Wyoming big sagebrush sites, study plots
were established at two locations near Elko, Nevada
in October 2006. Locations were selected on areas
that had burned in 2006. One location was selected
on the East Humboldt fire about 10 miles SW of
Elko. The second location was selected on the
Gopher fire, about 10 miles N of Deeth, NV, which is
about 30 miles NE of Elko.
Table 1. Species seeded and rates, in
PLS/m2.
Seeding Rate,
PLS/m2
Species
High
Low
Broadcast mix
Wyoming big sagebrush
15.3
9.5
Rubber rabbitbrush
17.3
10.2
Eagle yarrow 171.1
105.9
Sandberg bluegrass 194.6
114.2
Rice hulls
Total Broadcast 398.3
239.8
Drill seeding mix
Fourwing saltbush
5.1
3.6
Blue flax
33.4
23.7
Munro globemallow
41.2
29.8
Bluebunch wheatgrass
94.8
67.7
Bottlebrush squirreltail
8.2
5.9
Indian ricegrass
54.8
39.1
Rice hulls
Total Drill 237.5
169.9
Total Drill + Broadcast
635.8
409.6
At each location, 35 plots were established in 5
blocks (7 plots per block). Two seeding rates of
native species plus a control of no seed were drilled
into the plots on Nov. 7-10, 2006. An untreated
“double control” (no seed and no drill) was also kept
to provide adequate comparison. Species and rates
seeded are listed in Table 1. BLM Elko Field Office personnel were instrumental in all stages
of this project, including planning, site selection, treatment application, and logistics. Tom
Warren, Stan Kemmerer, Mark Coca, Brock Uhlig, Mike Mowray, and Kyle Blackburn were
especially helpful. Seeding was done by personnel from the NRCS Plant Materials Center in
Aberdeen, ID, including Brent Cornforth, Charlie Bair, and Boyd Simonson. The broadcast
mix was seeded by allowing seed to fall on the soil surface in front of either the furrow-chain
(Kemmerer drill) or the Brillion packer wheels (Truax drill). The drill mix was seeded
4
through the drill assembly. On December 19, 2006, autonomous weather stations were placed
at each location to record rain, temperature, and soil moisture. Data collection will be in late
spring/early summer, and include cover and frequency of all native and exotic species.
2. Equipment and strategies to enhance the post-wildfire establishment and persistence
of Great Basin native plants (R. Cox, N. Shaw, M. Pellant, R. Karrfalt, D. Pyke and NRCS,
BLM and FS Lucky Peak Nursery cooperators)
This study further investigates the capability of the Truax Rough Rider drill and the
Kemmerer rangeland drill to reestablish Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities. The
study will test seeding rates and methods for establishing Wyoming big sagebrush along with
a mixture of other grasses, forbs, and shrubs and evaluate the physical placement of seeds in
the soil by the two drills. Data collection will follow methods that are currently being
recommended by the USGS for BLM use as standard techniques for ES&R monitoring, and
data will be uploaded into a central ES&R monitoring database being developed by the USGS
and will be permanently stored and available to land managers and researchers. In addition,
the proposed study also facilitates analysis of long-term grazing effects on sagebrush seedings
by establishing adjacent plots designed to allow grazing exclusion.
We will also track the viability of sagebrush seeds through long-term storage. Seedlots
harvested at locations across the Great Basin have been cleaned to two purity levels and will
be stored at three different storage temperatures and two moisture contents in two types of
bags. Viability and moisture content will be tested periodically over a 5-year storage period.
Results will aid in determining appropriate storage conditions and duration for holding big
sagebrush seed beyond the season of harvest.
3. Requirements for dormancy break and germination in Lomatium dissectum seeds.
(M. Scholten, M. Serpe, Boise State University, and N. Shaw)
Seeds of Lomatium dissectum exhibit morphophysiological dormancy, common in the
Apiaceae. We analyzed the effect of dry after-ripening, warm stratification, and cold
stratification on embryo growth (Fig. 1a). Of these treatments, only cold stratification
promoted embryo growth. During 12-weeks of cold stratification, the embryo length
increased 6x with most growth occurring during the first 6 weeks.
Cold stratification promoted germination (Figure1b), but germination was less than 20%
when embryos reached full length after 8 or 10 weeks. Release from dormancy in most seeds
required an additional 5 to 6 weeks of cold stratification.
Embryo growth occurred at the three stratification temperatures tested (1, 6, and 11°C), but
was greatest when stratification occurred at 6°C. After 14 weeks of stratification, there were
significant differences in germination between seeds stratified at 1 and 6°C and those
stratified at 11°C with little germination occurring at the highest temperature. Germination
occurred when the seeds were under cold stratification at either 1 or 6°C and without transfer
to warmer temperatures. Thus, in L. dissectum the temperatures that break seed dormancy are
also adequate for germination.
5
100
1a
1b
Germination (%)
80
60
40
20
0
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Cold Stratification (weeks)
Figure 1. (a) Effect of dry after-ripening, warm-moist conditions, and cold stratification on
embryo growth of L. dissectum. (b) Effect of cold-moist stratification on germination of L.
dissectum seeds.
To analyze the effect of natural weather conditions on embryo growth and germination, we set
an experiment in the field in mid November of 2005. Seeds in nylon mesh bags were placed
in soil at a depth of 2 to 3 cm. Soil moisture sensors were placed near the seeds. Embryo
growth and germination were promoted by soil temperatures between 0 and 10°C and soil
moisture content above 5%. The temperatures and stratification conditions that promoted
embryo growth and germination under field conditions were similar to those that were
effective in the laboratory. Conditions associated with the release from dormancy in this
species appear to be an adaptation to the climatic regime of the Great Basin to trigger
germination in early spring.
4. Does cheatgrass density limit the recruitment and growth of native forbs on Southern
Idaho’s Snake River Plain? (H. Parkinson, C. Zabinski, Dept. of Land Resources and
Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, and N. Shaw)
Land managers require information on the biotic and abiotic factors that limit germination,
survival and population establishment of native forbs. Understanding of phenology, growth
and shoot and root morphology is needed to better understand how these species use resources
in time and space. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the relative growth
rates of five forb species by harvesting them after 6, 9, and 12 weeks of growth, and to
determine if forb response to a grass neighbor varied based on the identity of the grass
neighbor. The five forbs were Eriogonum umbellatum, Lomatium sp., Machaeranthera
canescens, Penstemon speciosus, and a Sphaeralcea munroana/grossulariifolia mixture (the
Lomatium was misidentified as L. grayi and is possibly L. ambiguum; the Sphaeralcea was
originally collected as S. munroana but turned out to be a mixture of both species). The
native bunchgrasses included Poa secunda and Elymus elymoides, and the exotic annual,
Bromus tectorum. Machaeranthera canescens, P. speciosus, and Sphaeralcea spp. biomass
was significantly reduced when grown with B. tectorum, but biomass of these species was not
reduced when grown with either of the native grasses.
6
While environmental conditions in the field are different than conditions in the greenhouse
(particularly in regards to phenology and soil moisture), these results suggest that seeding
these three forbs with either of the two commonly seeded native grasses may not cause
adverse forb-grass interactions during the critical stage of seedling establishment. It also
suggests that despite the larger biomass and faster growth rate of E. elymoides, this grass is
not significantly different as a competitor than the much smaller native P. secunda.
E. umbellatum biomass was similar when grown with P. secunda as when grown alone.
Competition with E. elymoides or B. tectorum resulted in reduced E. umbellatum biomass.
Lomatium Biomass by
The biomass of the Lomatium species was
Neighbor, 3rd Harvest.
significantly greater when grown alone than when
grown with any of the grasses. As a taprooted
species, it was postulated that its contrasting root
morphology would limit negative forb-grass
interactions.
To assess the effects of cheatgrass competition on
forbs, five forb species were seeded in single species plots with increasing
cheatgrass densities at two locations in southern Idaho: Lucky Peak Nursery (915 m) and the
Orchard Research Site (930 m), both within 20 miles of Boise, ID. The forbs are Achillea
millefolium, Eriogonum umbellatum, Lomatium grayi, Penstemon speciosus and Sphaeralcea
grossulariifolia. Bromus tectorum was seeded to create densities of
45, 90, 180 and 360 plants/m2. The plots are .9 x 1.5 m with forbs
seeded in two rows of four for a total of 8 plants in each plot (see
figure at right).
This experiment is designed to identify the biomass of cheatgrass at
which native forb seedling survival and growth is reduced and to
determine if this varies by forb species. To determine how soil water
content changes with increasing densities of cheatgrass, and if this
effect varies based on the forb species, a neutron probe will be used
to measure soil water content in the control plots (forbs only) and in
the plots seeded at 180 and 360 cheatgrass plants/m2. Soil water content will be determined at
depths from .2 - 1.2 m at 20 cm intervals beginning in early spring 2007 with measurements
taken at 7-14 day intervals throughout the growing season.
7
5. Competitive dynamics among Siberian wheatgrass and native forbs and grasses (J.
Muscha, M. Haferkamp, L. Vermeire, USDA ARS Fort Keogh LARRL, Miles City, MT, and
N. Shaw)
Members of the crested wheatgrass complex (Agropyron spp.) have been planted in extensive
monocultures in the interior western United States for many decades. These non-native
monocultures are susceptible to or currently invaded by exotic annual grasses and forbs.
Approaches are being examined to incorporate native species into these sites to enhance stand
diversity and structure, however the residual wheatgrasses may interfere with establishment of
natives. We examined competitive interactions of native grass/forb mixtures with Siberian
wheatgrass (Agropyron sibiricum). Native species were two forbs - Achillea millefolium
(ACMI) and Penstemon speciosus (PESP), and two grasses - Elymus elymoides (ELEL) and
Poa secunda (POSE). Treatments were: 1) AGSI (1 plant); 2) AGSI (2); 3) AGSI (1), ELEL,
ACMI, PESP; 4) AGSI (2), ELEL, ACMI, PESP; 5) ELEL, ACMI, PESP, 6) AGSI (1),
POSE (2), ACMI, PESP; 7) AGCR (2), POSE (2), ACMI, PESP and 8) POSE (2), ACMI,
PESP. Ten replicates of the treatments were grown in a greenhouse for 5 months. Greatest
aboveground biomass was produced by AGSI (2 plants) (39.1 g), AGSI (1), ELEL, ACMI,
PESP (37.4 g), and AGSI (1) (34.9 g). AGSI biomass was smaller when grown with any of
the native plant combinations (24.7 g) than when grown alone (37.0 g). Biomass was twice as
great for ELEL and nearly three times as great for POSE when grown without AGSI. Forb
biomass was generally reduced by two AGSI (5.4 g vs 1.4 for ACMI, 0.9 g vs 0.6 g for
PESP). Although competitive effects appear reciprocal, the impact on natives underscores the
need to provide good wheatgrass control prior to seeding natives into these monocultures. The
study will be repeated in 2007.
Management Applications
1. Documentation and description of the area of origin for Eagle yarrow, Mt. Home
Sandberg bluegrass and Orchard Thurber’s needlegrass will guide managers in the
appropriate use of these materials in southern Idaho and surrounding areas.
2. Examination of variation in native forbs (Penstemon and Lomatium species and
Eriogonum umbellatum) and bluebunch wheatgrass in relation to environmental gradients
will aid in delineation of seed transfer zones for the lower Snake River Plain and northern
Great Basin.
3. Evaluation of competitive interactions among Siberian wheatgrass and native forbs and
grasses will aid in selecting species and planting techniques for diversifying wheatgrass
monocultures.
4. Studies on the phenology, relative growth rate and root morphology of native forbs
species will improve our understanding of how these species utilize resources in time and
space. This will aid in designing seed mixes and seedings to enhance partitioning of
limited resources and reduce negative forb-forb interactions.
5. Establishment of diverse seed mixes requires new seeding equipment or modification of
existing equipment. Ongoing research evaluates available drills and seeding rates for
native species.
6. Reestablishment of Wyoming big sagebrush has been problematic. We are examining
seeding techniques for improving seed-soil contact. Research is also examining
8
appropriate storage of sagebrush seed to permit carrying seed from time of harvest to
seeding in the same or subsequent year.
7. Post-fire spread of rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea) is primarily by root sprouting
of existing plants; long distance spread is by seed.
Products
Publications:
Chambers, J.C; McArthur, E.D.; Monsen, S.B.; Meyer, S.E.; Shaw, N.L.; Tausch, R.J.; Blank,
R.R.; Bunting, S.; Miller, R.R.; Pellant, M.L.; Roundy, B.A.; Walker, S.C.; Whittaker, A.
2005. Sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper ecosystems: effects of changing fire regimes,
increased fuel loads, and invasive species. Fort Collins, CO: USDA FS Rocky Mountain
Research Station. 66 p. Online: http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/23523
Hild, A. L.; Muscha, J. M.; Shaw, N. L. [in press]. Emergence and growth of four winterfat
accessions in the presence of the exotic annual cheatgrass. In: Sosebee, R.E., comp. 2005.
Shrubland dynamics: fire and water: proceedings; 2004 August 10-12; Lubbock, TX.
Proc. Fort Collins, CO: USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Kinter, C.L.; Shaw, N.L.; Hild, A.L.; Mealor, B.A. [in press]. Post-fire seed ecology of rush
skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.) - assessment of invasion potential. Rangeland
Ecology and Management.
Presentations:
DeBolt, A. 2006. Landscaping with native plants. University of Idaho Green Thumb MicroCollege, Boise, ID (two presentations).
DeBolt, A. 2006. When ornamentals go bad. Idaho Rare Plant Conference Invasive Species
Special Topics Session, Boise, ID.
DeBolt, A.; Shaw, N.L. 2006. Progress in the development of native forbs for Great Basin
restoration. Joint meeting of the Northwest Scientific Association and Idaho Wildlife
Society, Boise, ID.
Johnson, R.; Shaw, N. 2006. Provisional seed transfer zones for the Great Basin and
Columbia River Plateau. National USFS and BLM Botanist and Geneticist Meeting, Las
Vegas, NV. Also presented as a seminar at USDA R-9 Office, Milwaukee, WI.
Shaw, N. 2006. Native plants for public rangelands - USA. Revegetation Technology and
Equipment Council. Society for Range Management 59th Annual Meeting, Vancouver,
British Columbia.
Shaw, N. 2006. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project.
a. Mojave Desert Native Plant Symposium and Workshop, Las Vegas, NV.
b. Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, ID.
c. National USFS and BLM Botanist and Geneticist Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
d. Nevada Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
Shaw, N. 2006. Two discussions: Planting at the appropriate season and native species being
developed by Idaho RMRS scientists. Great Basin Research Center Training Session and
Field Tour, Ephraim, UT.
Shaw, N.L.; Gurr, J.; Scholten, D.L.; Scholten, M.D. 2006. Population structure and
recruitment of winterfat as influenced by the presence of cheatgrass. 14th Wildland Shrub
Symposium, Cedar City, UT.
9
Technology Transfer
Poster presentations (We thank Kerry Overton, Acting Program Leader, Boise Aquatic
Sciences Laboratory, for presenting our posters at the Invasives Species meeting in
Albuquerque, NM and the FS R4 Integrated Resources Workshop in Ogden, UT):
Anon. 2006. Development of native forbs for the Great Basin. Society for Range Management
59th Annual Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia. (presented by Shaw at the Rangeland
Technology and Equipment Council meeting and the SRM tradeshow).
DeBolt, A.; Shaw, N.L. 2006. Progress in the development of native forbs for Great Basin
restoration (poster/fact sheet).
a. Invasive Species research in RMRS: Strengths, Needs, and Future Plans.
Albuquerque, NM.
b. USDA FS Region 4 Integrated Resources Workshop, Ogden, UT.
c. Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, ID.
Pellant, M.; Shaw, N. 2006. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project.
Workshop on Collaborative Watershed Management and Research in the Great Basin,
Reno, NV
Scholten, M.; Shaw, N.L.; Serpe, M. 2006. Embryo growth and germination in L. dissectum
seeds (poster/fact sheet).
a. Joint meeting of the Northwest Scientific Association and Idaho Wildlife
Society, Boise, ID
b. Invasive Species research in RMRS: Strengths, Needs, and Future Plans,
Albuquerque, NM.
c. USDA FS Region 4 Integrated Resources Workshop, Ogden, UT.
d. Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, ID.
Scholten, M.; Zimmerman, S.; Shaw, N., Serpe, M. 2006. Requirements for embryo growth
and dormancy break in Lomatium dissectum. Botanical Society of America, Chico, CA.
Shaw, N.L.; DeBolt, A.; Jensen, S.; Meyer, T.; Vernon, J.; Pellant, M.; Lambert, S.; Boruff,
C. and cooperating state foundation seed agencies. 2006. Cooperative native seed increase
program. Society for Range Management 59th Annual Meeting, Vancouver, British
Columbia (Rangeland Technology and Equipment Council Meeting and the SRM
tradeshow).
Shaw, N.L.; Pellant, M. 2006. The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project:
plant materials for the Great Basin and surrounding areas (poster/fact sheet).
a. Invasive Species research in RMRS: Strengths, Needs, and Future Plans,
Albuquerque, NM.
b. USDA FS Region 4 Integrated Resources Workshop, Ogden, UT.
c. Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, ID.
d. National USFS and BLM Botanist and Geneticist Meeting, Las Vegas, NV.
e. Mojave Desert Native Plant Symposium and Workshop, Las Vegas, NV.
Meetings, Committees and Field Tours – Planning and Participation:
DeBolt: Participant on seed increase contract review team for Umatilla National Forest,
Pendleton, OR.
DeBolt: 0.5 day field tour in Boise area for UI field ecology class.
DeBolt: Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station Field Day tour, Ontario, OR.
10
Shaw:
Planning committee for 2006 RTEC Annual Meeting: Seeding Equipment and
Native Plant Materials in Canada and the US: New Approaches and Products,
Vancouver, B.C.
Shaw, DeBolt: GBNPSIP 2006 annual meeting, Salt Lake City. Planned meeting and gave
reports.
Shaw: Planning for GBNPSIP Symposium, SRM 2007, Reno, NV.
Shaw: Organizer for sage-grouse habitat session for SERNW/SWS PNW annual meeting,
September 2007, Yakima, WA and co-chair of poster sessions.
Shaw: Planning committee, Native Wildflower Seed Production Research Symposium, July
2007, Orlando, Florida.
Shaw, DeBolt: Field evaluation of original Mountain Home Sandberg bluegrass collection
area, the Saylor Creek Training Range, with Chief of Conservation, Mountain Home
Air Force Base, and Steve Monsen.
11
Project Title:
Forb and Shrub Genetics Research
Project Location:
USDA-FS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Durant McArthur, Acting Program Manager
USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory,
735 N. 500 E. Provo, UT 84606-1865
801.356.5112, Fax: 801.375.6968
dmcarthur@fs.fed.us
Stewart Sanderson, Geneticist
USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory,
735 N. 500 E. Provo, UT 84606-1865
801.356.5111, Fax: 801.375.6968
ssanderson@fs.fed.us
Reporting for work funded, in part, by both the USDI Bureau of Land Management Native
Plant Selection and Increase Project and USDA Forest Service National Fire Plan
(Cooperators USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific
Southwest Research Stations; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Brigham Young
University).
Project description:
This work is designed to determine the levels of genetic variation of plant species used or
with potential for use in rehabilitation and restoration of fire impacted and other disturbed
sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper ecosystems. Additional genetics work is also underway
in delimiting seed transfer zones for restoration plant materials. The genetic variation
research is designed to explore both within and between population variation by using
isozyme and molecular genetic markers. It also explores the possible genetic consequences of
past revegetation plantings by comparing the genetic architecture of source populations,
seeded populations, and indigenous populations adjacent to the seeded populations. Work to
date suggests that genetic patterns need to be assessed on a species by species basis and take
into account pollination systems and population size. We briefly summarize the initial results
from isozymes, DNA-based molecular genetics (AFLPs, ISSRs, RAPDs, cpDNA),
revegetation plantings, gene flow, and seed transfer zones.
Isozymes and DNA based molecular genetics: Over 30 species (6 shrubs, 3 grasses, and 26
forbs) and more than 180 populations have been examined in a series of studies. These
include Artemisia tridentata, Astragalus utahensis, Atriplex canescens, Balsamorhiza
sagittata, Bromus carinatus, Castilleja miniata, Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Ericameria
nauseosa), Crepis acuminata, Epilobium angustifolium (Chamerion angustifolium), Erigeron
pumilus, Eriogonum umbellatum, Linum lewisii, Linum perenne, Lomatium dissectum,
Lomatium grayi, Lupinus argenteus/sericeus, Penstemon deustus, Penstemon palmeri,
Penstemon speciosus, Phlox longifolia, Sphaeralcea ambigua, Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia,
Stipa comata, Vicia americana, and Viguiera multiflora (Heliomeris multiflora)].
12
Revegetation plantings gene flow: Several species are being examined in this portion of the
study. Results for Linum, Sphaeralcea, Penstemon, Artemisia, Chrysothamnus, and Atriplex
are available. The results are species specific. Many but not all of the studied seedings show
that the seeded populations lie within the natural range of the indigenous genetic architecture.
Linum perenne in the form of ‘Appar’ blue flax has been seeded widely in revegetation
plantings. It has not hybridized with native L. lewisii nor is it likely to based on artificial
hybridization experiments.
The work of the above studies is progressing toward a summary status. The first significant
output will be a Rocky Mountain Station General Technical Report summarizing all of the
collection and research information. From that summary more detailed publications will be
developed and submitted to peer reviewed outlets. The methods were reported in previous
annual reports.
Management applications: This information, when completed and fully evaluated, will be
useful for managers when they need to make decisions about the appropriateness restoration
seeding, e.g., will the seeding be appropriate in maintaining the natural variation and genetic
integrity of the site under consideration.
Publications:
Miglia, K. J., E. D. McArthur, W. S. Moore, H. Wang, J. H. Graham, and D. C. Freeman.
2005. Nine-year reciprocal transplant experiment in the gardens of the basin and mountain
big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata: Asteraceae) hybrid zone of Salt Creek Canyon: the
importance of multiple-year tracking of fitness. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 86:
213-225.
Thompson, T. W., B. A. Roundy, E. D. McArthur, B. D. Jessop, B. Waldron, and J. N. Davis.
2006. Fire rehabilitation using native and introduced species: a landscape trial. Rangeland
Ecology and Management 59: 237-248.
Abstract:
Garcia, S., T. Gamatje, S. C. Sanderson, E. D. McArthur, and J. Vallès. 2005. Genome size
variation in the endemic sagebrush and their allies (Artemisia, Anthemideae, Asteraceae) of
North America. Abstract P0644, XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna, Austria.
13
Project Title:
Status of Work with Astragalus, Agoseris,
Lupinus, Phlox and Hesperostipa
Project Location:
USDA-FS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT
Principal Investigator and Contact Information:
Scott Jensen, Botanist
USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory
735 N. 500 E., Provo, UT 84606-1865
801.356.5128, Fax: 801.375.6968
sljensen@fs.fed.us
Project Description:
A core objective of the GBNPSIP is identifying and selecting plant material germplasm to
meet the seed needs of rehabilitation and revegetation efforts in the Great Basin. At the outset
of the GBNPSIP in 2001, staff at Provo selected species from several genera for germplasm
evaluation. Wildland seed collections of Agoseris aurantiaca, A. glauca, A. grandiflora, A.
heterophylla, Astragalus utahensis, Lupinus arbustus, L. argenteus, L. caudatus, L.
polyphyllus, L. sericeus, Phlox longifolia, and Hesperostipa comata have accumulated since
that time. Initial germplasm work focused on germination requirements, greenhouse
propagation methods and seed related issues. In recent years, as our germplasm pool has
increased, common gardens have been established to evaluate morphological and
phenological attributes as well as site adaptation. Pilot studies evaluating increase plot
establishment techniques have been a continual part of the program and cultural practice
studies have been implemented to assess potential yields under cultivation. In all these
efforts, we have had many failures and many successes. As these species have been observed
in field settings it is apparent the crux of eventual success with many has less to do with
selecting the best biotype and more to do with developing cultural techniques for economical
production. Plants with the combined traits of irregular seed ripening and seed shatter are
extremely costly to produce. To eventually see these species in the market will require
specialized growing and harvesting practices. Thus, complementing our germplasm selection
program is a growing effort in cultural practices.
Project Status:
2006 Seed Collections and New Site Locations: Typically, small quantities of seed are
harvestable from a given site any particular year. Research needs often exceed the seed we
have available for a given biotype, thus, where necessary, annual seed collections are made at
known sites. Whenever new populations are found, we desire to represent these biotypes in
the selection process. Continual efforts are made to record newly discovered populations. In
2006, 78 new sites were recorded and seed collections were made at 88 sites.
Equipment: To evaluate production methods, a subsurface drip tape layer and weed barrier
layer were purchased. A 3-shank subsoiler was purchased to prepare the ground for the
subsurface drip tape layer and fracture hardpans caused by years of cultivation. A small rock
tumbler was purchased to evaluate its utility in scarifying seed. Metal working equipment
14
was purchased to permit construction of two sprayers. Piped sprinkler systems were designed
and bid for field sites at Fountain Green and Ephraim, UT.
Plant Material Evaluation and Increase: Beginning in 2004, as plant material collections
began to approximate the Great Basin distribution of individual species, common gardens
were planted to evaluate biotypes. Prior to these plantings, and annually since, small scale
seeding trials have been conducted to evaluate various planting methods and establish
increase plots. The following summarizes those efforts.
1. Fountain Green:
Cultural Practice Studies: Cultural practice studies evaluating 3 mulch treatments and 3 plant
spacings were installed using plugs of Agoseris and Lupinus. All plants went dormant shortly
after transplanting. We anticipate low survival on this plot.
Increase Plots - Project priority species:
Phlox longifolia – seeded in weed barrier 10/06. Efforts to increase this species through
transplanting plugs have failed.
Agoseris grandiflora - Plugs were installed with a tree transplanter.
Increase Plots - Opportunistic collections: Comparative production plots were installed with
Heliomeris multiflora. The comparison evaluates seeding rate, establishment, weeding effort
and seed yield. A replicated plot was established with a precision drill, seeding 20, 40, 60 or
80 pls seeds/linear foot with a pre-emergent herbicide banded between the seeded rows and
powdered charcoal banded with the seed. Charcoal deactivates the chemical upon contact.
The second plot was hand planted on weed barrier with a 2-foot spacing within and between
rows. Both plots will be overhead irrigated through establishment, then subsurface irrigated
with drip tape.
2. Nephi, UT:
Common Garden Establishment:
Astragalus utahensis – 27 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus arbustus – 13 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus argenteus – 9 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus caudatus – 5 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus polyphyllus – 2 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus sericeus - 3 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Increase Plots: Agoseris glauca and Agoseris grandiflora - Plugs of each were transplanted
into weed barrier fabric.
Other studies: Astragalus utahensis fungal study field trials planted in cooperation with Dr.
Brad Geary of BYU.
3. Wells, NV:
Common Garden Establishment:
Hesperostipa comata – 60 biotypes direct seeded 11/ 06
Lupinus arbustus – 14 biotypes transplanted 4/06
15
Lupinus argenteus – 10 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus caudatus – 5 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus polyphyllus – 2 biotypes transplanted 4/06
Lupinus sericeus - 3 biotypes transplanted 4/06
4. Orovada, NV:
Common Garden Establishment:
Astragalus utahensis – 16 biotypes planted with a tree transplanter 4/06
Hesperostipa comata – 60 biotypes direct seeded 11/06
5. Snow College Farm:
Common Garden Establishment: Hesperostipa comata – 60 biotypes direct seeded 11/06.
Increase Plots: Four species of lupine (Lupinus argenteus - Nephi Canyon, UT; L. arbustus –
Deep Creek, UT; L. polyphyllus - Tintic, UT; L. caudatus – Winnemucca Mountain, NV)
were planted in increase plots. Seedbeds were prepared by sub-soiling, then installing 1 line
of drip tape (T1508LR-15mil 8 OC low flow) 12 inches deep in the center of the bed. One
inch of NutriMulch was spread over the bedding surface and incorporated to a depth of 4
inches. Beds were then packed and flattened with a Brillion seeder and covered with 5’ x
250’ woven weed barrier fabric. Three-inch holes spaced at 2-foot intervals within and
between rows were burned into the fabric with an electric branding iron powered with a truck
mounted power inverter. Where appropriate, seed was scarified by boiling water treatment
and planted at 4-5 seeds/hole.
Agoseris aurantiaca and A. glauca - Plugs were transplanted into fallow plots.
6. Ely, NV: We anticipate a new 10-acre test site will be established near the Hwy 6/318
Junction west of Ely, NV in 2007. The Ely BLM office is assisting with clearances and
preparations.
Products:
Equipment: Weed control costs are a significant factor in the profitability of any native forb
seed production operation. We designed and built two sprayers to evaluate their utility and
effectiveness in weed control operations. The first is an ATV mounted hooded sprayer, the
second a pre-emergent band sprayer.
The ATV sprayer is designed around two streamlined 20” spray hoods attached to a
telescoping frame. The telescoping frame allows the hoods to be appropriately positioned on
both sides of a row crop. The contoured spray hoods slide under the canopy of taller plants
and deliver herbicide to the ground to maintain a weed free area between planted rows. The
hooded design is intended to prevent herbicide drift to the adjacent crop. This permits the use
of herbicides that may be detrimental to the planted crop. The sprayer mounts on the front
rack of an ATV and is supplied by a rear mounted ATV spray tank.
The pre-emergent band sprayer is an attachment to a Hege 1000 series drill. The sprayer
delivers adjustable width bands of pre-emergent herbicide between seeded rows. Liquefied
16
charcoal is sprayed over the seeded row to deactivate herbicide that may drift. Additionally,
powdered charcoal is delivered by a separate bulk seed box and banded with the seed to
further mitigate against herbicide movement toward the seeded row.
Stock Seed: A Nevada source of Agoseris heterophylla was increased in our greenhouse to
provide additional seed for future work. Approximately 15 grams of seed were produced on
30 ft2 of bench. This seed is currently being increased again with an anticipated production of
2 lbs.
Pilot trials for greenhouse increase of Agoseris grandiflora were conducted.
Publications:
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Agoseris grandiflora.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University
of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Agoseris aurantiaca.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University
of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Agoseris glauca. In:
Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University of
Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of Agoseris heterophylla. In:
Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University of
Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Astragalus utahensis.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University
of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Lupinus arbustus. In:
Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University of
Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Lupinus argenteus.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University
of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Lupinus caudatus. In:
Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University of
Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Lupinus polyphyllus.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow, ID: University
of Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
17
Jensen, Scott L. 2007. Propagation protocol for production of container Lupinus sericeus. In:
Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow (ID): University of
Idaho, College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Jensen, Scott L., Stephen B. Monsen, and Pat Fosse. Spatial and Temporal Seed Dispersal of
Squarrose Knapweed (Centaurea virgata Lam. spp. squarrosa (Willd.) Gugler) in West
Central Utah, a Case Study. 14th Wildland Shrub Symposium – Shrublands Under Fire, June
6-8, 2006 Cedar City, Utah.
Technology Transfer:
Presentations:
Jensen, Scott. 2006. Status of plant materials development work for ten Great Basin species.
GBNPSIP annual coordination meeting, Salt Lake City, UT.
Jensen, Scott. 2006. The GBNPSIP: looking back and forward. Native Vegetation
Restoration Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Posters:
Whittaker, Alison; Jensen, Scott L. 2006. Effects of fire and restoration seeding on
establishment of squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata var. squarrosa). 14th Wildland
Shrub Symposium: Shrublands Under Fire: Disturbance and Recovery in a Changing World,
Cedar City, UT.
Tours:
Jensen, Scott. 2006. Discussion of field plots. Native Vegetation Restoration Workshop, Ft.
Green, UT.
Attended a tour of Pacific Northwest Seed Growers. June 2006.
18
Project Title:
Native Plant Material Development and Seed and
Seeding Technology for Native Great Basin Forbs and
Grasses
Project Location:
Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, Utah.
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Jason Vernon, Program Manager
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources/Great Basin Research
Center, 494 West 100 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
435.283.4441, FAX: 435.283.2034
Therese Meyer, Wildlife Biologist
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources/Great Basin Research
Center, 494 West 100 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
435.283.4441, FAX: 435.283.2034
Alison Whittaker, Wildlife Biologist
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources/Great Basin Research
Center, 494 West 100 South, Ephraim, UT 84627
435.283.4441, FAX: 435.283.2034
Project Description:
This project was organized for the collection, testing, selection and development of forb and
grass species and/or ecotypes for habitat improvement in the Great Basin. A suite of species
was chosen as desirable for restoration of degraded ecosystems throughout the area (Table 1).
The species were chosen either for their usefulness as important food for wildlife or as
diminished or missing constituents in the various ecosystems.
Table 1. Species under study.
Plant Family
Plant Code
Apiaceae
CYMOP
Apiaceae
Genus Species
Common Name
Spring-parsley
LOGRGR
Cymopterus sp.
Lomatium graveolens var.
graveolens (syn: L. nuttallii)
Apiaceae
PEBO2
Perideridia bolanderi
Yampah
Asteraceae
BAHO
Balsamorhiza hookeri
Hooker balsamroot
Asteraceae
BASA
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Asteraceae
CRAC
Crepis acuminata
Tapertip hawksbeard
Asteraceae
CRIN
Crepis intermedia
Gray hawksbeard
Capparaceae
CLLU
Cleome lutea
Yellow beeplant
Stinking lomatium
19
Plant Family
Plant Code
Genus Species
Common Name
Fabaceae
HEBO
Hedysarum boreale
Northern sweetvetch
Fabaceae
HEOC
Hedysarum occidentale
Western sweetvetch
Malvaceae
SPCO2
Sphaeralcea coccinea
Malvaceae
SPGR
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia
Scarlet globemallow
Gooseberryleaf
globemallow
Malvaceae
SPPA
Sphaeralcea parvifolia
Nelson globemallow
Poaceae
ELCI
Elymus cinereus (Leymus c.)
Great Basin wildrye
Poaceae
POFE
Poa fendleriana
Muttongrass
Poaceae
POSE
Poa secunda
Sandberg bluegrass
Poaceae
STCO3
Stipa comata (Hesperostipa c)
Needle-and-thread grass
Polygonaceae
EROV
Eriogonum ovalifolium
Cushion buckwheat
Project Status:
Seed Collection and Testing:
In 2006 the GBRC staff made 31 wildland seed collections of 13 species of forbs and grasses
in Utah and Nevada (Table 1), totaling approximately 1,630 grams of cleaned seed. Wildland
seed production in our seed collection area was very poor in summer 2006. This may have
been a result of late freezing in much of our collection range. Remaining flowers then
appeared to be heavily preyed upon by herbivores, both insect and large browsers.
Seed cleaning, inventory, and database work was continued. The database now registers 904
collections of 44 species of forbs and grasses.
Germination tests continued in 2006. In-house germination experiments were completed on
the following: CRAC/CRIN--33 accessions; EROV--19 accessions; BASA--38 accessions;
Apiaceae including PEBO2--12 accessions; Sphaeralcea (SPGR, SPPA, SPCO2)--43
accessions.
More germination work on Sphaeralcea was done in 2006, specifically, applying the hotwater treatment suggested by Stan Kitchen, but with careful timing and temperature control.
Again, boiling the seed gave lower germination percentages than merely planting the seed
untreated (Fig. 1). Other treatments described in the literature (for instance: soaking seed for
12 to 24 hours in water initially at boiling temperature, but removed from the heat source
before the seed is added (Graham 2003)) will be tried next. Additionally, a study trial was
initiated on the use of sulfuric acid to break down the dormancy of scarlet globemallow seed
(Roth and others 1987).
20
Figure 1. Globemallow seed germination following hot water
treatments.
Globemallow Seed Pretreatment
Percent Germination
40
35
30
25
Boiled
Boiled, dried
Not boiled
20
15
10
5
0
SPCO2
B12-03
SPCO2
U6-02
SPGR
U15-03
SPPA
B10-03
Species, Accession No.
Timing of planting:
Experience with direct-seeding demonstrated that for some of the species we are studying
(BASA, CRAC, PEBO2, and EROV), it is difficult to accumulate enough stratification to
break seed dormancy when seeds are planted in early March. This agrees with our
experiments with stratification on these species which show that they require 1-4 months of
stratification to break seed dormancy. This means that in wildland plantings using these
species, seeding may have to occur in fall. Sphaeralcea spp. and Hedysarum spp., however,
do not require stratification and although they both might profit from some sort of heat
treatment, scarification, or inoculation with beneficial organisms, it is possible to get some
germination without these treatments.
To better understand seed fate and the causes of stand failure in direct-seeded plantings, we
initiated a seed retrieval experiment with six of our principal forb species: BASA, CRAC,
EROV, PEBO2, HEBO, SPGR. We planted the study at Fountain Green in September 2006,
with two subsequent retrievals. Retrievals will resume in the early spring. A second planting
will be placed in March of 2007 and retrieved throughout the summer and fall.
Results from the first two retrievals showed that the species have different responses to
planting in fall. Results from the second retrieval are presented here (Fig. 2). EROV, SPGR
and HEBO suffered the highest seed mortality at over 30%. BASA and CRAC seed suffered
less than 15% mortality, and PEBO2 had almost no seed mortality. Some seed of two species,
SPGR and HEBO, was hard and exhibited no apparent changes 2 months after planting. This
seed was still hard, intact and had not imbibed water. HEBO had the greatest germination at
21
23%. CRAC, BASA and EROV had between 7-10% germination, SPGR had only 1%
germination, and the PEBO2 had no germination.
The most interesting seed condition was the imbibed portion: these were seeds that were fully
imbibed but which had not yet germinated. Presumably these seeds were undergoing
stratification required to release the embryos from dormancy. The species with the highest
percentage of fully imbibed seeds was PEBO2, which had 98% in this condition. This
correlated well with previous germination studies demonstrating that PEBO2 required
approximately 4 months of cold stratification to germinate. Both CRAC and BASA had about
80% imbibed seed, SPGR and EROV had 45-55%, and HEBO had the smallest percentage
imbibed at 16%.
From these data, we predict that fall planting may not be advised for SPGR and HEBO
because of high overwinter seed mortality. EROV is problematic, since fall planting results in
fairly high seed mortality, but spring planting may not allow sufficient stratification to break
seed dormancy. For this species, therefore, fall planting will probably be required, and land
managers will have to accept some loss of viability over the winter. The other three species,
PEBO2, BASA and CRAC probably require fall planting for the best outcome, specifically to
overcome embryo or seed coat dormancy.
The repeat of this experiment will be planted in spring 2007, as well as the remainder of the
retrievals of this fall planted series, will further elucidate seed fate among these species. We
also intend to install soil moisture and temperature monitors in this study to correlate the soil
environment with the seed responses.
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
AC
C
R
H
EB
O
BA
SA
R
PE
BO
2
SP
G
O
V
%Dead Average
%Hardseed Average
%Imbibed Average
%Germ Average
ER
Seed Fate
Seed Retrieval: Sept 28-Nov 29
Species
Fig. 2. Fall seed retrieval (2 months of data).
22
Spacing and Weed Barrier Study:
In May 2006 we installed a study at Fountain Green to evaluate two weed barrier mulches
compared to bare ground, and also planted two of our study species’ plugs (CRAC and
BASA) at various spacings in the weed barrier trials. The entire trial is under drip irrigation,
with each species on a separate system. The treatments are in a Latin Square design with six
replicates. This is a continuation of the work started by Brigham Young University at the
Spanish Fork Farm, because that study did not include all of the species. The trial is still in the
establishment phase, and we are experiencing problems with keeping the weed barriers in
place. If necessary, we will re-install the weed barriers and replant the plugs.
Field Trial Common Gardens:
Direct-seed Planting:
In order to expose the seed to sufficient stratification for germination, we direct seeded a large
trial of most of the research forb accessions (all but Hedysarum) in November of 2005 using
the Hege 1000 precision planter at the Fountain Green experimental farm. Each common
garden had approximately 10 forb species, with a total of more than 110 accessions with each
accession in five repeated blocks per garden.
The 2005 spring-planted Wells trial was unsuccessful with the exception of a few Hedysarum
plants. The 2005 spring-planted Fountain Green trial also failed: there was not enough cold,
wet weather after the planting to successfully stratify the seed, so, of six species groups
planted, only Hedysarum germinated well in the first year and I was able to get some trait data
from the trial. The remainder of the trial was tilled up in July 2006.
In the spring of 2006 some of the accessions in the 2005 fall planted trial in Fountain Green
germinated, particularly in the BASA, CRAC/CRIN, and a few of the Perideridia lines.
Overall the stands in the trials were poor and the weeds were out-competing, so the trials were
tilled out in July 2006.
Plug production for trials and seed increase:
Greenhouse propagation for common gardens continued and several trials were planted: Plug
seedlings were produced in the greenhouse for field trials of Sphaeralcea (12 accessions to
Fountain Green), Eriogonum (25 accessions to be planted in spring 2007 at Fountain Green),
Balsamorhiza (38 accessions to Wells and Orovada, Nevada), Crepis (57 accessions to Wells
and Orovada, Nevada). A new greenhouse planting of all of our Sphaeralcea accessions is in
production for late spring planting in a new, enlarged trial at Fountain Green.
Scarlet globemallow seed of one accession that performed well in previous trials has been
planted in the greenhouse to produce plugs to be planted at Snow Field Station to increase
seed quantity.
In a cooperative activity with the Forest Service Shrub Sciences Laboratory, 40 flats (~4,000
plants) of Linum lewisii ‘Maple Grove’ were grown in Ephraim for a seed increase field
23
planting in the Fountain Green exclosure. Insufficient isolation distance from other
cooperator’s Linum plants preclude use of seed from this field for foundation seed at the
present, but we expect that conflict to be resolved in 2007 or 2008. Alternatively, recent work
by one of the cooperators (McArthur) suggesting that the two species of Linum do not
introgress with each other, may allow us to use this seed in spite of the proximity. DWR will
irrigate, weed, and harvest seed from the planting for other uses until such time as Forest
Service determines that the seed is needed for foundation purposes.
Two large trial plots of bluebunch wheatgrass using plug transplants produced by the ARS
successfully established at the Wells, NV exclosure and at the Nephi Farm in March of 2005.
Harvests in 2006 from these plantings (dry matter, seed production and fill, seed weights, and
germination) are currently being evaluated in our laboratory.
Products:
Results Based on Common Gardens:
Based on the existing forb common gardens, we have been able to gather enough trait data on
Sphaeralcea, Eriogonum, Hedysarum and Perideridia to begin to narrow the fields on those
species with regard to choosing up to four accessions per species to focus on with the goal of
releasing them. Part of the selection process will involve using geographic, Ecoregion and
Ecological Site Description information for those accessions. Not all of the ecological data
has been gathered, but we are working with collaborators to obtain it and combine our maps.
We have 2 years of field data on the Hedysarum trial in Fountain Green. The trial is spotty,
but with five replicates we have been able to observe plant habit, flowering and fruiting.
Based on this, we have focused on three accessions that have potential. A new Hedysarum
trial will be planted by direct seeding this spring. More data on plant and seed production (in
particular, seed shatter vs. seed retention) will be collected from the mature, 3-year old trial.
The Ephraim common garden has yielded data on Sphaeralcea and Eriogonum. The Fountain
Green common garden of Sphaeralcea is the largest trial we have of that species and has been
very helpful in gaining information on plant habit, size, flowering and fruiting. In both of
these trials, the most important information has thus far been to clarify the identity of all
accessions Particularly with Sphaeralcea, determining species has been very confusing.
Likewise for Eriogonum we have been able to determine species and observe, among the
EROV accessions, which ones performed the best in terms of winter survival, growth and
establishment, and flowering. The next trait to be evaluated will be seed production. EROV
produces imperfect and perfect flowers on individual plants, starting with imperfect (either
male or female functional) and later in the flowering cycle, perfect flowers. We wish to
monitor this physiological function more closely to assure seed will be produced in sufficient
quantity.
The Perideridia and Lomatium trial in Ephraim is small, but we have been able to observe
which accessions demonstrated the most robust growth and reached maturity most rapidly.
24
Some of the accessions flowered in the second field season, and one of these robust
accessions has been distributed to a grower for increase.
The Crepis (CRAC/CRIN) trial in Ephraim, although spotty, began flowering in 2006. In
both greenhouse production and field trials, CRIN (a species probably derived from a hybrid
origin between CRAC and CROC [Crepis occidentalis] consistently showed more robust
growth than CRAC, supporting the idea that this species has some fixed heterosis. The CRIN
plants survived better than the CRAC plants, and many more accessions of CRIN flowered in
the field than CRAC accessions. Although the temptation is to proceed with CRIN to the
exclusion of CRAC, analysis of the native distribution of the species’ throughout Utah shows
that CRAC is more common, and therefore is probably preferable to CRIN for our purposes.
The trial will be continued, and more data will be obtained in the coming season.
The BASA and CRAC/CRIN trials in Nevada will be evaluated throughout the spring and
summer of 2007. We hope to obtain enough information from the Ephraim trial and the
Nevada trials of CRAC and CRIN to choose one or two accessions to put into seed increase
plots that will seeded in fall of 2007.
BASA, of all of our lead species, shows the least progress in our program due to difficulty
with establishment and slow maturity. Hopefully some headway with this species will be
made in the Nevada common gardens.
Seed Increase and Cooperator Studies:
We distributed seed and/or seedlings/plugs to cooperators and other entities to be used for
seed increase and research purposes:
Janett Warner of Wildland Nursery in Joseph, UT: 360 CRAC seedlings/plugs for
seed increase.
Ann M. DeBolt, for a grower (Mustoe) in Oregon: seed of CRAC U36-04 for seed
increase.
Robert Fitts, Pleasant Grove: CRAC and BASA seedlings/plugs, 60 of each. PEBO2
seed one accession, 0.8g for seed increase.
Kevin Heaton, USU Extension, Panguitch: 1200 seedlings/plugs of CRAC and CRIN
for seed increase.
Robert Johnson, BYU: seed of BASA, CRIN, CRAC and PEBO2 for insect herbivory
studies.
Jeremy James, USAD-ARS Burns, OR: seed of LILE, SEMU2 and PEBO2 for a
study on weed versus native competition.
Tuan Beddes, USU, Logan, UT: seed of one Sphaeralcea accession for horticultural
work.
David Van Tassel (associate of Stan Kitchen, FS Shrub Lab): LILE seed for research.
Clint Shock, OSU Malheur Exp. Station: SPGR seed, and 480 seedling plugs of
CRAC for irrigation studies.
25
Brad Geary, Brigham Young University (via Scott Jensen): CRAC, CRIN, BASA,
and SPGR seed for fungal transfer studies.
Corey Ransom, USU Department of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology: CRAC seed
for herbicide studies.
Rhonda Pace, Brigham City, UT: We are currently growing SPGR and CRAC plugs
for this gardener/farmer for seed increase for research.
Publications, Presentations, Posters:
Meyer, T. 2006. Presented progress on the forb work at the Annual Native Plant
Summit meeting in Boise, ID.
Meyer, T.; Vernon, J. 2006. Hosted a tour of the GBRC facility and discussed current
research activities for the Utah Division of Wildlife Central Region, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T. 2006. Selections and Increase of Native Plants for Rehabilitation of
Disturbed Wildlands. Shrublands Under Fire: Disturbance and Recovery in a
Changing World, Wildland Shrub Symposium, Cedar City, UT
Meyer, T.; Vernon, J. 2006. Presentations and tour of GBRC facility for Utah State
University, Agricultural Extension Agents, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T.; Vernon, J.; Whittaker, A. 2006. Presentations and tour of GBRC facility for
Utah Partners in Conservation and Development/Great Basin Restoration Initiative
meeting, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T. Vernon, J.; Whittaker, A. 2006. Growing Native Seeds as a High-Value
Agronomic Crop. Utah Agricultural Extension Alternative Agriculture Workshop,
Cedar City, UT.
Vernon, J.; Meyer, T.; Whittaker, A. 2006. Tour for Governor Huntsman’s Economic
Team and Department of Natural Resources Director’s Office, Ephraim, UT.
Vernon, J.; Meyer, T.; Whittaker, A., and other GBRC staff. 2006. Hosted the Plant
Community Restoration Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Vernon, J.; Memmott, K. 2006. Species Selection, Remedial Plans, Utilizing High
Quality Adapted and Ecologically Adapted Species. Plant Community Restoration
Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Vernon, J. 2006. Provided research updates at the Tri-state Interagency Plant Materials
Committee annual meeting, Elko, NV.
Vernon, J. 2006. Site Preparation and Seeding. Plant Community Restoration
Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T.; Jensen, S. 2006. Update on Native Forb Development Program at GBRC.
Plant Community Restoration Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Vernon, J.; Whittaker, A. 2006. Tour of GBRC facility and discussion of seed needs
and uses. Plant Community Restoration Workshop, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T. 2006. Great Basin Research Center (Utah Division of Wildlife
Resources)
26
Native Forb Development. Distributed on a CD to Plant Community Restoration
Workshop attendees, Ephraim, UT.
Meyer, T. 2006. Growing Native Seed as High-Value Agronomic Crop: Alternative
Agriculture Meeting of the Panoramaland Resource Conservation and Development
Council, USDA Service Center, Richfield, UT.
Meyer, T. 2007. Simplified Dichotomous Key for Common Utah Globemallows. Utah
Native Plant Society Newsletter, January 2007.
Meyer, T.; Vernon, J. 2007. Attended Society for Range Management 60th Annual
Meeting and Trade Show in Reno, NV.
Meyer, T.; Vernon, J. 2007. Native Forb Development for Wildland Restoration:
Research Update from the Great Basin Research Center. Society for Range
Management 60th Annual Meeting and Trade Show, Reno, NV.
Technology Transfer:
a)
April, June, and September 2006 and January 2007: Presented specific
information to agency representatives about species we are developing and their
potential use and applicability in habitat restoration projects.
b) September 2006: T. Meyer and J. Vernon presented information and
demonstrated restoration equipment in Fairview, Utah, for attendees at the Plant
Community Restoration Workshop.
c)
November 2006: T. Meyer met with Bureau of Land Management representatives
to discuss collaboration on native seed development, and to deliver native seed
collections (58 kilos) that we had cleaned for them.
d) January 2007: T. Meyer updated and revised .pdf handouts describing the need
for native seeds in the Great Basin and the potential for private growers to produce
the seed.
e)
January 2007: J. Vernon provided information and advice to Jan Anderson of the
Utah Farm Bureau concerning native seed availability for the Great Basin and
seed transfer zones for fourwing saltbush in the Mojave desert.
f)
February 2007: Sent out .pdf files of information for potential native seed growers
to Jan Anderson of the Utah Farm Bureau.
g) February 2007: T. Meyer sent out .pdf files of information for potential native
seed growers to Erik Feiler in Boulder, Utah.
Management Applications:
a) Seed planting time protocols based on germination studies and seed retrieval
studies will aid restoration biologists planning seedings to maximize the outcome
of seed application.
b) Seed planting time protocols will aid native seed growers in maximizing stand
establishment.
27
c) Weed barrier mulch and spacing studies will be important tools for native seed
growers to reduce costs for weed control, and to maximize seed production
through proper plant spacing.
References:
Graham, Jean. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of container Sphaeralcea ambigua
Gray plants (1 gallon PVC Pipe container); Joshua Tree National Monument Native Plant
Nursery, Twentynine Palms, California. In: Native Plant Network. URL:
http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Moscow (ID): University of Idaho, College of Natural
Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Roth, T. E., Holechek, J. L., Hussain, M. Y. 1987. Germination response of three
globemallow species to chemical treatment. Journal of Range Management 40 (2): 173-175.
28
Project Title:
Genetic Diversity Patterns of Allium acuminatum
in the Great Basin
Project Location:
USDA-ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station
(WRPIS), Pullman, WA
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist
USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station
Box 646402, Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
509.335.3771, Fax: 509.335.6654
rcjohnson@wsu.edu
Barbara Hellier, Horticulture Crops Curator
USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station
Box 646402, Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164
509.335.3763, Fax: 509.335.6654
bhellier@ wsu.edu
Project Description:
The conservation and utilization of native plant resources in the western United States is
becoming increasingly important ecologically and economically, yet genetic information to
identify locally adapted seed sources for restoration and reclamation is generally lacking. An
understanding of the geographic and ecological distance that plant material should be
transferred from original source populations is critically needed. Allium acuminatum Hook.
(Taper-tip onion) is an important Great Basin forb associated with healthy rangeland and good
habitat for sage-grouse. Studies using molecular markers and phenotypic traits are being
conducted to determine genetic variation and seed transfer zones of A. acuminatum across the
Great Basin. Genetic resource management strategies based on biological conservation
principals will be developed leading to identification of candidate in-situ reserves (sites on
federal lands where key populations are located). Populations maintained in-situ would
provide conservation of genetic variation representing eco-geographic areas in the Great
Basin. In addition, ex-situ conservation will be carried out at the USDA-ARS gene bank at
Washington State University, Pullman, WA. Gene bank conservation will provide 1) readily
available, source-identified genetic resources for research and increase and 2) security backup of in-situ sites. Overall, this project will provide information to federal agency policy
makers, Plant Material Centers, and commercial collectors/producers to improve genetic
quality and production efficiency of this species.
29
Objectives:
1. Collect and maintain native Allium acuminatum (Taper-tip onion) for use in
restoration and reclamation on western public lands.
2. Link ecological-geographic variation with genetic variation of Allium acuminatum to
identify key populations for conservation and to delineate seed transfer zones.
3. Identify candidate in-situ sites for the conservation of Allium acuminatum genetic
variation representing eco-geographic areas in the Great Basin.
Project Status: In 2005, 55 populations of A. acuminatum were collected from eastern
Oregon, southern Idaho and northeastern Nevada. In spring 2006, plants were established in
common gardens located at Pullman and Central Ferry, Washington sites. Plants were
evaluated for numerous phenotypic factors. Data analysis showed that plant attributes
differed according to location and thus varied across the Great Basin. In addition, DNA was
extracted from bulks of 20 plants for each collection site and a total of 167 SRAP (Sequence
related amplified polymorphism) molecular markers were derived from 9 primer pairs. Using
the STRUCTURE program, the molecular data distinguished five main groups. Although there
was some overlap, differences among locations and geographic areas were found. Thus both
the phenotypic and molecular data confirmed the existence of genetic variation for A.
acuminatum across the Great Basin. This suggests that population differences should be
considered when using this species for revegetation. In 2007, continued phenotypic
evaluations will be completed in the common gardens and genecology studies similar to those
outlined by Johnson et al. (2004) will be continued to determine seed transfer zones for A.
acuminatum.
Collections: In 2005, A. acuminatum bulbs were collected from 55 populations throughout
eastern Oregon, southern Idaho and northeastern Nevada (Fig. 1). Potential population
locations were gathered from herbaria records and US Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management personnel. This information was organized into a spreadsheet for field use and
entered into a GIS-based map to aid in collection planning. We had two collecting teams of
two persons each, one focused on Oregon and Idaho, the other team collected in Nevada.
Each team followed the same collection protocol. First the population size and area were
estimated. Then 40 to 50 bulbs per population were collected from across the given
population. Only populations with 250 or more individuals were collected so in situ
population integrity was not compromised. Collections were made from June 17 to July 2,
2005 and spanned 1430 m (4692 ft) of elevation and covered approximately 620 km (385 mi.)
east-west and 445 km (277 mi.) north-south, between N 39° to 44° latitude and W 114º to
119º longitude. Allium acuminatum was collected in 20 of the Level IV Omernick Ecoregions
across the Great Basin.
Common Gardens: Bulbs were planted in the greenhouse and vernalized at 4oC. After plant
emergence, leaf tissue was collected for DNA marker analysis. Plants were transplanted to
the field in the spring of 2006. Common gardens were established at Pullman, WA (780 m
elevation; 46° 43’ 28.05” N and 117 08’ 07.94”W) and Central Ferry, WA (206 m elevation;
46° 41’ 52.78” N and 117° 39’ 52.55” W). Four plants from each of the 55 collection sites
were randomized in five complete blocks at both locations. Thus there were 1,100 plants
established at each site. In 2006, plants were evaluated for the factors in Table 1. For eight of
30
the 11 factors there were significant location effects (Table 1). Differences in bolting,
flowering, and seed maturity dates occurred along with differences in leaf number, and flower
and umbel characteristics. This shows that A. acuminatum from different locations had
developed at different rates and had different morphological attributes, and that it may be
possible to model adaptation zones based on environmental data. There were also significant
garden site by collection location interactions for bolting and seed maturity dates, and for
flower color.
Figure 1. Collection locations for Allium acuminatum in 2005
representing 20 level IV Omernick ecoregions.
This shows that for these traits, differences in where the plants were grown modified their
development and flower color. The implication is that seed from one location planted in
another will grow and develop differently then local material and as such may be ecologically
unsuitable.
The number of plots evaluated at the two sites (n in Table 1) varied widely as many plants
senesced soon after transplanting to the field. In 2006, many plants showed active growth in
the 4°C vernalization chamber and these often became dormant soon after transplanting. This
is not expected in 2007 as bulbs are under natural field conditions.
31
Molecular Markers: Using nine primer pairs and Sequence Related Amplified
Polymorphisms (SRAP) (Li and Quiros, 2001), 167 unambiguous polymorphic markers were
scored for each of the 55 A. acuminatum collections. The STRUCTURE program as described
by Evanno et al. (2005) was used with the marker data to find five main A. acuminatum
groups for Great Basin germplasm. Although there was overlap, the groups tended to cluster
in different geographic areas across the collection area. Thus, both the field evaluation and
molecular markers showed differences among A. acuminatum populations from different
collection locations. This means that continuing work to define seed zones is needed to
ensure that properly adapted material is used for restoration.
Table 1. Allium acuminatum ANOVA summary from common gardens at
Pullman and Central Ferry, WA sites and 55 collection locations (2006).
n
mean
CV
Prob.
Site
Prob.
Loc
Prob.
Site X Loc
Leaves/plant
Plants w/leaves
467
469
2.17
2.74
19.5
30.4
ns‡
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
ns
ns
Bolting date†
248
113
4.0
<0.001
<0.001
0.003
Scape length (mm)
230
99.8
28.8
ns
<0.001
ns
Scape dia. (mm)
231
1.71
28.4
ns
ns
ns
Flowering date†
229
146
2.23
<0.001
<0.001
ns
Flower color (1-8)
Flowers/umbel
Umbel dia.(mm)
Seeds/plant
Seed Maturity date†
230
227
227
170
183
6.95
15.6
37.1
15.7
174.8
11.4
38.6
25.6
70.9
6.72
ns
0.012
0.023
0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.020
ns
ns
0.024
0.008
ns
ns
ns
<0.001
Factor
†Day of year; ‡ns, not significant; flower color from 1, white to 8, purple
Future plans: In 2007, data collection will continue for leaf, scape, flower and umbel
characteristics at the common gardens in Pullman and Central Ferry. Additional leaf
characteristics will include leaf color, habit, length, and width. Phenotypic variation within
and among populations will be determined and compared with molecular variation using
multivariate statistics. This will show if and to what extent molecular and phenotypic
evaluation data correlate. The phenotypic data will be analyzed to understand patterns of
variation across the Great Basin in relation to climatic and ecological factors. This
information will be used to establish adaptation zones and to guide conservation and
revegetation decisions for A. acuminatum in the Great Basin.
As this work is completed, informed decisions on seed transfer zones and population selection
for potential in situ conservation/seed collection sites for A. acuminatum will be made. Then,
32
as funding permits, work on seed production and stand establishment across the landscape
will be pursued. For Allium there are two options for establishing field stands; sowing of true
seed or dormant bulbs. Both methods are used in production of A. cepa, onion and A.
sativum, garlic. The small size of A. acuminatum bulbs lends themselves to planting with
conventional mechanical seeders. These two methods of stand establishment for A.
acuminatum will be tested. Seeding rates and densities, weed control, methods for lifting
bulbs from soil, and mechanical harvest will be examined. This will give the needed
information on stand establishment and agronomic factors for seed production.
Products: Plant germplasm appropriate for restoration of Great Basin environments is being
developed and conserved.
Publications:
Adair, R., R.C. Johnson, B.C. Hellier, W. J. Kaiser. 2006. Collecting Taper-Tip Onion
(Allium acuminatum Hook.) in the Great Basin using traditional and GIS methods. Native
Plant Journal 7: 141-148.
Technology Transfer:
Presentations 2006
March 28. Diversity of Allium acuminatum in the Great Basin. Robert Adair, R.C. Johnson,
Barbara Hellier, and Walter Kaiser. Poster presented at the Intermountain Native Plant
Summit IV, 28-30 March 2006, Boise ID.
March 28. Interagency cooperation in collection, characterization, and storage of native plant
germplasm. Mike Cashman, Tamra Putensen, R.C. Johnson, and Peggy Olwell. Poster
presented at the Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, 28-30 March 2006, Boise ID.
April 13. Invited speaker. R.C. Johnson. Agency Partnerships: Sound policy for native
genetic resources, at the Joint USFS and BLM Botanist and Geneticist Meeting, Las Vegas,
NV. 9-13 April 2006.
Management Applications:
This work on Taper-tip onion and other key Great Basin species is providing the research
needed to develop adapted germplasm for restoration in the Great Basin. So far we have
found clear differences in populations, suggesting important differences in adaptation across
the Basin exist. In addition, long-term conservation and management of species needed for
restoration are being maintained within the National Plant Germplasm System. This provides
security back-up for native populations that may be lost.
33
Other Activities:
Genecology of Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Brad St. Clair, R.C. Johnson, and Nancy Shaw)
Bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve] is a cool-season, longlived, self-incompatible perennial bunchgrass of semi-arid regions of western North America.
Many restoration projects using bluebunch wheatgrass rely upon the cultivars ‘Goldar’ and
‘Whitmar’, and to a greater extent on the newly available germplasms, Anatone and P-7.
Another cultivar, ‘Secar’, was originally misidentified and released as bluebunch wheatgrass,
but is now recognized as a separate taxon, Snake River wheatgrass. The cultivars and
germplasms have proven useful over a wide range of environments, with different cultivars or
germplasms being better adapted to different areas. Goldar and Whitmar are better adapted to
uplands and mesic sites, whereas Secar is better adapted to lower and drier areas. However,
no research has examined genetic variation in relation to environment across the Great Basin
and the greater range of bluebunch wheatgrass in a large set of diverse populations.
Genecology, that is, understanding genetic variation in relation to environmental variation, is
a critical consideration when choosing germplasm for restoration on diverse sites.
In 2005, seed was collected from about eight western states including many locations in the
Great Basin. In fall 2006, 127 diverse populations, each represented by two families, along
with five cultivars, were established in common gardens at Pullman, WA, Central Ferry, WA,
and at the USFS Lucky Peak Nursery northeast of Boise, ID. In-depth evaluation of these
populations at each site for growth and development traits will be initiated in spring 2007.
Results from this study will be used to develop guidelines and appropriate source material for
revegetation and restoration in the northern Great Basin and adjacent areas.
Indian Ricegrass Common Gardens and Collections (Mike Cashman and R.C. Johnson)
Indian ricegrass [Achnatherum hymenoides (Roem. & Schult.) Barkworth] is among the most
important species in the Great Basin. Current releases of Indian ricegrass are useful but we
know of none derived specifically from and for the Great Basin. Information on how
populations vary across the landscape and which may be most appropriate for a given area is
lacking. Considering the importance of Indian ricegrass in the Great Basin plant community,
germplasm specifically adapted to Great Basin environments appears to be critically needed.
Currently available at the Pullman gene bank are Indian ricegrass collections primarily from
the eastern and southern regions of the Great Basin, extending into Colorado, Arizona, and
New Mexico. In spring 2007, a diverse set of 120 populations of this material will be planted
in a common garden at Central Ferry, WA for evaluation of key growth and developmental
traits. Genecology studies to understand the variation in Indian ricegrass across a large area
of the Western U.S. and to recommend germplasm best adapted for restoration will be
conducted. Since additional material specific to the Great Basin is needed, additional
collections are being made. These will form the basis of additional studies and will include
families within collection locations to more fully assess genetic variation across the
landscape. So far, 35 Indian ricegrass accessions have been collected and collection will
continue in 2007.
34
Sandberg bluegrass (unfunded)
Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda Presl.) is a dominant perennial on much of the steppe
vegetation in the Great Basin, providing cover and forage for livestock and wildlife. Yet
current germplasms and cultivars of the Sandberg bluegrass complex, including Mountain
Home, Reliable, ‘Sherman’ big bluegrass (Poa ampla Merr.), and ‘Canbar’ (P. canbyi
Scribn.) were collected either on the fringe or completely out of the Great Basin. Material
collected within the Great Basin proper may be better adapted and more suitable. Considering
the importance of Sandberg bluegrass in the Great Basin plant community, source identified
germplasm for the Great Basin is critically needed.
Collections of Sandberg bluegrass from diverse sites and ecological areas in the Great Basin
were initiated in 2006 and will be continued in 2007. So far 29 populations have been
collected, including families within collection locations. This material will be used to
establish common garden studies in contrasting environments and measure numerous traits
associated with growth and development. That data will be used to identify seed transfer
zones along with complementary in situ conservation sites. Seed of adapted material will be
available through the USDA-ARS Pullman gene bank.
Publications:
Adair, R., R.C. Johnson, B.C. Hellier, and W. J. Kaiser. 2006. Collecting taper-tip onion
(Allium acuminatum Hook.) in the Great Basin using traditional and GIS methods. Native
Plants Journal 7: 141-148.
Literature Cited
Evanno, G., S. Regnaut, and J. Goudet. 2005. Detecting the number of clusters of individuals
using the software STRUCTURE: a simulation study. Molecular Ecology. 14: 2611-2620.
Johnson, G.R., F.C. Sorensen, J.B. St. Clair, and R.C. Cronn. 2004. Pacific Northwest seed
zones: A template for native plants? Native Plants Journal 5: 131-140.
Li, G. and C.F. Quiros. 2001. Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), a new
marker system based on a simple PCR reaction: its application to mapping and gene tagging
in Brassica. Theor. Appl. Genet. 103: 455-461.
35
Table 2. Expected timeline from collection to seed production for species needed for Great Basin restoration and under
study at the Germplasm Testing and Research Unit, Pullman WA
Adapted
Collection
Genecology
Initial
Initial Seed
populations
Species
seed increase
completed
completed
production
identified†
Allium acuminatum
(Taper-tip onion)
2005
2007
2008
2009
2010
Achnatherum
hymenoides
(Indian ricegrass)
2005; additional
completed 2007
1st study in
2008; 2nd study
in 2009
2008 for 1st study;
2010 for 2nd study
2009, 1st study
2011, 2nd study
2010, 1st study
2012, 2nd
study
Pseudoroegneria
spicata (Bluebunch
wheatgrass)
2005
2008
2009
2010
2011
Others of interest (Unfunded)
Poa secunda
(Sandberg
bluegrass)
2007
2010
2011
2012
2013
Leymus cinereus
(Great Basin
wildrye)
2008
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Lupinus sp.
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Achillea
millefolium
(Yarrow)
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
Planning stage
†Including potential in situ sites
36
Project Title:
- Establishment and Maintenance of Certified
Generation 1 (G1) Seed
- Propagation of Native Forbs
- Plant Display Nursery Evaluation
- Development of Technology to Improve the
Diversity of Introduced Grass Stands
Project Location:
USDA NRCS Aberdeen, ID Plant Materials Center
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Loren St. John, Center Manager
Aberdeen Plant Materials Center
P.O. Box 296, Aberdeen, ID 83210
208.397.4133, Fax: 208.397.3104
Loren.Stjohn@id.usda.gov
Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist
USDA-NRCS, 9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite C
Boise, ID 83709
208.685.6987, Fax: 208.378.5735
Dan.Ogle@id.usda.gov
Project Description:
Production of Certified Generation 1 (G1) seed of Maple Grove Germplasm Lewis flax,
Anatone Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass, Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing
saltbush, and Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat to facilitate commercial seed
production. Propagation of native forbs for evaluation and seed increase. Evaluation of
display nursery near Boise, ID. Development of technology to improve the diversity of
introduced grass stands by evaluating methods to introduce native species into established
plant communities.
Project Status:
Seed Production: Maple Grove Germplasm Lewis flax: A new seed field (3.2 acres) was
planted on May 24, 2006. The seed field established in 2005 (also 3.2 acres in size) was
contaminated with ‘Appar’ blue flax so harvested seed could not be certified. This field is
now being used to conduct herbicide tolerance trials in cooperation with the University of
Idaho. The new field established in 2006 was also contaminated with Appar. It appears that
the stock seed to plant both fields was contaminated with Appar. Approximately two-thirds
of the new field was plowed out and the remaining plants will be rouged carefully to remove
Appar plants. Seventy pounds of Certified seed was shipped to commercial growers in 2006.
Anatone Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass: Currently 5.2 acres are in production. Estimated
seed yield from the 2006 seed crop is 1,090 pounds. Three hundred fifty pounds of Certified
seed was shipped to commercial growers in 2006.
37
Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing saltbush: Estimated seed yield from the 2006 crop
is 20 pounds. No seed was requested by commercial growers in 2006.
Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat: Estimated seed yield from 2006 crop is 11
pounds. We shipped 5 pounds of Certified seed to commercial growers in 2006.
Propagation Studies: The original project plan in 2005 was to propagate 8,000 plants total of
Lomatium dissectum (LODI) fernleaf biscuitroot, Lomatium grayi (LOGR) Grays biscuitroot,
Lomatium triternatum (LOTR) nineleaf biscuitroot, Eriogonum umbellatum (ERUM)
sulphurflower buckwheat, Penstemon deustus (PEDE) hotrock penstemon, Penstemon
acuminatus (PEAC) sharpleaf penstemon, and Penstemon speciosus (PESP) sagebrush
penstemon in the greenhouse. Approximately 1000 plants each of ERUM and LOTR were to
be transplanted at the Plant Materials Center (PMC) and the remaining plants were to be made
available to cooperators for transplanting at field sites. Due to no plant establishment of
Lomatium species and minimal success with greenhouse propagation of Penstemon species,
no plants were made available to cooperators. All plants that were successfully propagated in
the PMC greenhouse were transplanted at the PMC during the 2005 growing season and
direct dormant seeding of Eriogonum, Lomatium and Penstemon accessions was completed at
the PMC in November 2005. Weed barrier fabric was installed to control weeds.
On June 13, 2006 and October 27, 2006 the plants that were direct-seeded the preceding fall
were evaluated for survival (see table).
6/13/06
Survival
Species (percent)
ERUM
LODI
LOGR
LOTR
PEAC
PEDE
PESP
40
25
65
70
60
50
60
10/27/06
Survival
(percent)
40
dormant
dormant
dormant
68
58
60
10/27/06
Plant Height Clean seed
(cm)
(grams)
10-15
31.8
20-25
20-25
10-20
1362.0
1180.0
0.0
The evaluation conducted in June was an estimate of survival and the October evaluation was
an actual plant count. By early July, the Lomatium plants had gone completely dormant. There
was no sign of green-up this fall, so survival of these plants is unknown and will be evaluated
in the spring of 2007. Seed was harvested and cleaned from ERUM, PEAC and PESP.
38
Orchard Display Nursery Evaluation Summary
Introduction
The Orchard Display Nursery was planted on November 16, 2004 in cooperation with the
Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. The nursery contains 82 accessions
of 27 native and introduced grass, forb and shrub species. Each accession was planted in 7 X
60 foot plots. See Tilley et al. (2005) for descriptions of the species and accessions planted.
The remaining area was planted to a cover crop mix of 50% Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass,
20% Bannock thickspike wheatgrass, 20% Magnar basin wildrye and 10% Snake River Plains
fourwing saltbush. The test site is located on a loamy 10-12 inch precipitation ecological site
that historically supported a Wyoming big sagebrush/ bluebunch wheatgrass/Thurber’s
needlegrass plant community. Total precipitation at the Orchard Test Site for water year 2005
was 9.6 inches, and total accumulated precipitation for water year 2006 was 14.4 inches
(USDA 2006).
The
Burea
3.5
u of
3
Land
2.5
Mana
2
WY 2005
geme
WY 2006
1.5
nt
1
(BLM
0.5
)
0
burne
Oct
Nov Dec
Jan
Feb Mar Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
d the
site in
the fall of 2002. The site was sprayed by the PMC staff in May 2003 and May 2004 with a
Roundup and 2, 4-D herbicide mix to create a weed free seedbed. Due to limited breakdown
of dead grass clumps that would inhibit proper seed placement with a drill and to ensure a
clean seedbed, the decision was made to cultivate the site with a culti-packer just prior to
seeding. Plots were evaluated for initial establishment on April 27 and May 5, 2005. During
the first evaluation most plots contained high numbers of Russian thistle (Salsola sp.) and
moderate amounts of bur buttercup (Ranunculus testiculatus Crantz) plants. Russian thistle
plants were approximately 2 to 3 inches tall and bur buttercup had already flowered. At the
time of the second evaluation, there was a heavy infestation of tumblemustard (Sisymbrium
altissimum L.). Plots were consequently sprayed again on June 9, 2005 with 16 oz. 2, 4-D and
8 oz. Clarity per acre to control the mustard.
Precip. (in)
Monthly precipitation at Orchard Range Test Site
Materials and Methods
The first evaluation of the plots was conducted on April 27, 2005 using a frequency grid
based on that described by Vogel and Masters (2001). The grid measured approximately 40 x
41 inches, having four 10-inch columns (to incorporate 1 drill row per column) and five rows,
giving a total of 20 cells. The first grid was laid on the rows approximately two grid lengths
(80 inches) into the plot. Counts were made of the cells that contained at least one plant. Grids
were subsequently flipped and evaluated three more times giving a total of 80 evaluated cells.
39
Total area for one grid is approximately 1 m². Total area evaluated is therefore approximately
4 m². A conservative estimate of plant density (plants/m²) is the total number of cells
containing at least one plant divided by four. The second evaluation of 2005 occurred on May
25, 2005. The 2006 evaluation was conducted on May 30 using the methods describe above,
except that the frame was evaluated five times for a total of 100 cells or 5 m2. Total counts
were then divided by five for approximate plants/m2. Numbers for approximate plants/m2
were divided by 10.8 to calculate approximate plants/ft2. It is important to note that because
cells with plants were counted and not the number of plants per cell, the best possible score is
100 hits per five frames which converts to 20 plants/m2 or 1.85 plants/ft2. Actual plant density
may be higher than the numbers indicated below. All tables have been arranged with
accessions ranked from highest plant density to the lowest at the time of the second evaluation
in 2005. Data were not analyzed for significance.
Native Grasses
There were forty-seven accessions of native grasses planted. Overall the native grasses
established well considering the limited amount of precipitation received over the winter and
early spring of 2005. Especially good stands were seen in the bluebunch wheatgrass and
Snake River wheatgrass plots during 2005. There was a marked decrease in plant density
between the first and second evaluations with some notable exceptions. Seven of nine
bluebunch wheatgrass accessions and three of four Snake River wheatgrass accessions
increased in density from the first evaluation to the second. This is possibly due to 2.5 inches
of precipitation during that period and/or from a lack of pressure by black grass bugs (Labops
sp.). Most of the native grasses decreased in density from 2005 to 2006 with the exception of
Covar sheep fescue and all of the Sandberg bluegrass accessions. These may have been plants
that germinated late in the first growing season or, more likely, were too small to notice under
the heavy growth of mustards and were more easily observed in 2006.
In 2005 the best performing Indian ricegrass accession was White River, with a plant density
of 0.56 plants/ft2 during the first evaluation and 0.17 plants/ft2 during the second evaluation.
By 2006 there were no plants of any Indian ricegrass accession observed in the evaluation
grids and very few seen within their respective plots. In 2006, all squirreltail accessions had
decreased in density. Fish Creek maintained the best plant density with 0.26 plants/ft2.
Bannock thickspike wheatgrass had a density of 1.04 plants/ft2 and increased slightly to 1.07
plants/ft2 at the second evaluation. In 2006 Bannock had dropped to nearly half of the original
density to 0.58 plants/ft2. Revenue and San Luis slender wheatgrass both had 0 plants/ft2 in
2006. Pryor slender wheatgrass similarly dropped in density but had 0.02 plants/ft2. The
western wheatgrass accessions had less dramatic declines in density from 2005 to 2006, but
still showed poor stands with Rodan having the highest density of 0.13 plants/ft2.
The bluebunch wheatgrass accessions had the highest average densities of all the native
grasses. All decreased slightly in density from 2005 to 2006, but still maintained good stands.
P-12, Wahluke and Jim Creek all had densities over 1.00 plants/ft2. Columbia, Anatone, P-7
and P-15 had densities between 0.50 and 1.00 plants/ft2 while P-5 and Goldar both had low
densities. The three Snake River wheatgrass accessions dropped to just over 0.50 plants/ft2.
The basin wildrye accession densities also decreased; U108-02 and Trailhead retained the
highest densities at 0.24 and 0.26 plants/ft² respectively. Sheep fescue stands remained poor
from 2005 to 2006 with Covar slightly increasing from 0.00 to 0.07 plants/ft². Thurber’s
40
needlegrass had no plants in the evaluated grids. All five of the Sandberg bluegrass accessions
increased in density from 2005 to 2006. The best stands were observed in the High Plains and
Mountain Home plots with respective stands of 0.54 and 0.35 plants/ft².
ORCHARD DEMONSTRATION AREA
Native Grass Species
Name or accession
Rimrock
Indian ricegrass
White River
Nezpar
Ribstone
Paloma
Fish Creek
Squirreltail
Shaniko Plateau
Sand Hollow
Toe Jam Creek
9019219
Bannock
Thickspike wheatgrass
Critana
Schwendimar
Sodar
Revenue
Slender wheatgrass
San Luis
Pryor
Rodan
Western wheatgrass
Rosana
Arriba
P-12
Bluebunch wheatgrass
Wahluke
Columbia
P-7
Anatone
Jim Creek
P-15
P-5
Goldar
Expedition
Snake River wheatgrass
Secar
SERDP
E-26
U108-02
Basin wildrye
Trailhead
U100-01
U70-01
Magnar
Washoe
Initial Point
Sheep fescue
Covar
Thurber’s
Thurber’s needlegrass
High Plains
Sandberg bluegrass
Sherman
Mountain Home
Toole County, MT
Hanford Source
4/27/05
Plants/ft²
0.37
0.56
0.42
0.14
0.05
0.97
0.81
0.37
0.58
0.02
1.04
0.90
0.69
0.37
1.00
0.60
0.30
0.28
0.05
0.16
1.34
0.97
1.30
0.93
0.81
0.83
0.60
0.42
0.51
1.27
1.00
1.02
0.21
0.56
0.60
0.53
0.30
0.28
0.21
0.21
0.16
0.00
0.25
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
5/25/05
Plants/ft²
0.20
0.17
0.17
0.09
0.00
0.54
0.52
0.20
0.17
0.02
1.07
0.56
0.52
0.30
0.93
0.69
0.30
0.35
0.20
0.15
1.59
1.26
1.23
1.15
1.15
1.02
0.93
0.61
0.37
1.44
1.11
0.94
0.23
0.57
0.52
0.41
0.22
0.22
0.09
0.04
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
5/30/06
Plants/ft²
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.26
0.06
0.19
0.00
0.00
0.58
0.24
0.39
0.15
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.13
0.04
0.06
1.04
1.02
0.84
0.67
0.80
1.02
0.54
0.22
0.33
0.54
0.76
0.67
0.22
0.24
0.26
0.11
0.02
0.04
0.09
0.02
0.07
0.00
0.54
0.02
0.35
0.04
0.19
41
Introduced Grasses
Although many of the introduced grass accessions had fair emergence, we noted an outbreak
of black grass bugs at the time of the first evaluation in 2005. The infestation appeared limited
to the introduced grass section of the nursery. Plants were covered with yellow spots making
them appear yellow-green overall. Although most of the stands of the introduced grasses
decreased from the first to the second evaluation, many stands had recovered and increased by
2006 indicating that many plants thought to be dead during the second evaluation in 2005
were still alive. However, the plants in the crested wheatgrass plots were very small when
compared to the other wheatgrass accessions in the nursery and still appear to be recovering
from black grass bug pressure.
In 2006 all of the crested wheatgrass accessions increased in density or remained
approximately where they were in 2005. Ephraim rose from 0.28 to 1.23 plants/ft2; however,
many of the plants were small in size due to the 2005 black grass bug infestation. Both
Siberian wheatgrass accessions similarly increased from 2005 to 2006, but the three pubescent
wheatgrass accessions decreased with the highest density in 2006 coming from Manska at
0.28 plants/ft2. Rush intermediate wheatgrass, along with Prairieland and Eejay Altai wildrye
had zero plants in 2006. Pearl Altai wildrye had 0.02 plants/ft². The Russian wildrye
accessions all increased in density with the exception of Tetracan, which decreased slightly.
The best stand was recorded in the Bozoisky Select plot with 0.58 plants/ft².
ORCHARD DEMONSTRATION AREA
Introduced Grass Species
Name or accession
Nordan
Crested wheatgrass
Ephraim
Hycrest
CD-II
Roadcrest
Douglas
Vavilov
Siberian wheatgrass
P-27
Manska
Pubescent wheatgrass
Greenleaf
Luna
Rush
Intermediate wheatgrass
Prairieland
Altai wildrye
Eejay
Pearl
Bozoisky Select
Russian wildrye
Mankota
Tetracan
Syn-A (Bozoisky II)
4/27/05
Plants/ft²
1.30
0.65
0.39
0.56
1.30
0.28
0.65
0.09
0.69
0.60
0.79
0.60
0.56
0.16
0.35
0.72
0.46
0.42
0.21
5/25/05
Plants/ft²
1.19
0.28
0.24
0.24
0.07
0.04
0.20
0.02
0.65
0.59
0.54
0.56
0.39
0.28
0.15
0.54
0.28
0.20
0.13
5/30/06
Plants/ft²
1.10
1.23
0.15
0.20
0.52
0.09
0.61
0.33
0.28
0.15
0.13
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.58
0.32
0.17
0.24
Forbs and Shrubs
Despite some good stands in 2005, all of the forb and shrub accessions except for Eagle
yarrow had zero plants during the 2006 evaluation. Eagle had 0.07 plants/ft2 in the frequency
grids along with a small stand of plants at one end of the seeded plot.
42
ORCHARD DEMONSTRATION AREA
Forb and Shrub Species
Name or accession
Eagle
Western yarrow
Great Northern
Timp
Utah sweetvetch
Richfield Selection
Firecracker penstemon
Scarlet globemallow
Maple Grove
Lewis flax
Appar
Blue flax
Wyoming big sagebrush
Snake River Plains
Fourwing saltbush
Wytana
Rincon
9016134
Gardner’s saltbush
Hatch
Winterfat
Northern Cold Desert
Open Range
Immigrant
Forage kochia
4/27/05
Plants/ft²
0.51
0.19
0.14
0.02
0.00
0.42
0.90
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.28
0.00
0.00
0.00
5/25/05
Plants/ft²
0.50
0.09
0.02
0.02
0.00
0.15
0.26
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.17
0.00
0.00
0.00
5/30/06
Plants/ft²
0.07
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Cover Crop
The cover crop consisted of a four species mix which contained: 50% Anatone bluebunch
wheatgrass, 20% Bannock thickspike wheatgrass, 20% Magnar basin wildrye and 10% Snake
River Plains fourwing saltbush. Four grids were examined during the first evaluation in 2005,
one on each side of the nursery, and five grids were evaluated at the time of the second
evaluation in 2005 and the 2006 evaluation. Total plant density was estimated at 0.37
plants/ft2 at the first evaluation and 0.57 plants/ft2 at the second evaluation. In 2006 the cover
crop density was 0.13 plants/ft2.
Discussion
Despite large amounts of Russian thistle, native and introduced grasses had fair to good
emergence and plant density during the establishment year. Germination and emergence
might have been increased with more precipitation during March and April, 2005 but
emergence was good with the rain that was received. The majority of the plots showed
decreased stands from 2005 to 2006. The low precipitation at the site, especially the lack of
moisture in July and August of 2005, seems to have eliminated many of the less drought
tolerant accessions. One concern is the effect of black grass bugs on the introduced grasses.
Plants subjected to black grass bug are normally affected by decreased seed yield and a
reduction in palatability. Infestations rarely result in the death of established plants, but in low
water years establishing plants may be under enough stress to kill the establishing seedlings
(Hammon and Peairs 2001). The second evaluation in 2005 indicated a loss in plant densities;
however it appears that many of the plants survived, although stunted, through 2006. Future
evaluations will provide more information on plant establishment, persistence and longevity.
The PMC staff will continue to evaluate plant performance at the site.
Publications:
Hammon, R.W. and F.B. Peairs. 2001. Black grass bugs. Colorado State University
Cooperative Extension. No. 5.575.
43
[USDA NRCS] USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2005. National Water and
Climate Center. http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/. Accessed 20 October 2006.
Tilley, D.J., D.G. Ogle, and L. St. John. 2005. NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center
Display Nursery, Orchard, Idaho. Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. 10 January 2005. 10
p.
Vogel, K.P. and R.A. Masters. 2001. Frequency grid - a simple tool for measuring grassland
establishment. Journal of Range Management 54: 653-655.
Develop Technology to Improve the Diversity of Introduced Grass Stands
The PMC assisted Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, UT and the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS), Burns, OR in developing technology to improve the diversity of
introduced grass stands by evaluating methods to introduce native species into established
introduced plant communities. In 2005 the PMC modified a Truax Rough Rider range drill,
mixed the seed and rice hull mixtures and completed the first year of seedings at the sites in
Utah and Oregon.
In 2006 modified seed drop boots by the manufacturer were installed on the Truax drill. The
Utah sites (Skull Valley and Lookout Pass) were seeded the week of October 24 and the
Oregon site (Burns) was seeded the week of October 31, 2006. Twelve and a half acres were
seeded at each location. In addition to these seedings, the PMC also seeded drill comparison
trials (approximately 30 acres total) at two locations near Elko, NV during the week of
November 6, 2006 on recently burned rangeland to compare the Truax drill to the Kemmerer
drill, a standard range drill used by BLM. While seeding these projects, the PMC technicians
met with Jim Truax (drill manufacturer) to demonstrate the modifications to the drill under
field conditions.
The Truax drill is designed to both broadcast and drill seed in the same pass so species that
require broadcasting or very shallow planting depth were broadcast and the deeper seeded
species were drill seeded in alternating rows. The following table lists the seed and rice hull
mixtures:
Utah Broadcast Mix
Species
Wyoming big sagebrush
Rubber rabbitbrush
Eagle yarrow
“OR” Sandberg bluegrass
Rice hulls
Pounds
PLS/acre
0.20
0.25
0.20
0.75
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
0.94
0.75
0.24
0.95
7.41
44
Utah Drill Mix
Pounds
PLS/acre
1.00
0.75
0.50
3.00
2.00
2.00
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
3.48
0.83
0.84
3.16
2.82
2.13
4.58
Pounds
Species
PLS/acre
Wyoming big sagebrush
0.20
Rubber rabbitbrush
0.25
Eagle yarrow
0.20
Mtn. Home Sandberg bluegrass 0.75
Rice Hulls
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
1.33
2.06
0.26
1.18
4.90
Species
Fourwing saltbush
Appar blue flax
Munro globemallow
Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass
Sanpete bottlebrush squirreltail
Nezpar Indian ricegrass
Rice hulls
Oregon Broadcast Mix
Oregon Drill Mix
Pounds
Species
PLS/acre
Fourwing saltbush
1.00
Appar blue flax
0.75
Munro globemallow
0.50
Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass 3.00
Toe Jam bottlebrush squirreltail 2.00
Nezpar Indian ricegrass
2.00
Rice hulls
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
2.28
1.00
0.61
3.52
2.17
2.08
4.74
Drill Comparison Broadcast Mix
Pounds
Species
PLS/acre
Wyoming big sagebrush
0.20
Rubber rabbitbrush
0.25
Eagle yarrow
0.20
Mtn. Home Sandberg bluegrass 0.75
Rice hulls
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
1.33
0.65
0.21
0.91
7.01
45
Comparison Drill Mix
Species
Fourwing saltbush
Appar blue flax
Munro globemallow
Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass
Bottlebrush squirreltail
Nezpar Indian ricegrass
Rice hulls
Pounds
PLS/acre
0.69
0.65
0.50
3.00
1.90
2.00
Pounds
bulk seed/acre
1.15
0.75
0.59
3.54
2.06
2.13
5.05
The drill comparison trials were seeded at rates of 75 and 125 percent of the rates listed in the
table above in order to be able to compare effectiveness of the two drills.
Cover crop mixes were also prepared and seeded at the drill comparison trial sites to provide
perennial cover around the plots. Approximately 8 acres of cover crop were seeded at each
site and the mixes are listed below:
East Humboldt Cover Drill Mix
Pounds
Pounds
Species
PLS/acre
bulk seed/acre
Hycrest crested wheatgrass
2.50
2.78
Bozoisky Russian wildrye
1.50
1.83
Vavilov Siberian wheatgrass
3.00
3.24
Rice hulls
6.11
Gopher Fire Cover Drill Mix
Pounds
Pounds
Species
PLS/acre
Bulk Seed/acre
Ladak alfalfa
0.50
0.54
Hycrest crested wheatgrass
1.00
1.11
Bozoisky Russian wildrye
1.00
1.22
Rimrock Indian ricegrass
1.50
1.55
Secar Snake River wheatgrass
2.00
2.51
Bannock thickspike wheatgrass 2.00
2.44
Rice hulls
5.37
The drill comparison trial will be repeated in fall of 2007. Location of the trial will be
determined based on areas that burn during the 2007 fire season in the northern Great Basin.
46
Project Title:
Native Plant Genetics, Ecophysiology, Plant Materials
Development, and Seed Increase
Project Location:
USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Tom Jones, Research Geneticist
USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Laboratory
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-6300
435.797.3082, Fax: 435.797.3075
tomjones@cc.usu.edu
Steve Larson, Research Geneticist
USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Laboratory
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-6300
435.797.1703, Fax: 435.797.3075
stlarson@cc.usu.edu
Mike Peel, Research Geneticist
USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Laboratory
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-6300
435.797.3288, Fax: 435.797.3075
mpeel@cc.usu.edu
Tom Monaco, Research Ecologist
USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Laboratory
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-6300
435.797.7231, Fax: 435.797.3075
tmonaco@cc.usu.edu
Doug Johnson, Research Plant Physiologist
USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Laboratory
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-6300
435.797.3067, Fax 435.797.3075
daj@cc.usu.edu
Project Description:
Jones' funding was designated for seed increase of pending germplasm releases, germplasm
development, and needle-and-thread germplasm collection. Johnson’s funding was designated
for collection and evaluation of basalt milkvetch. Peel’s funding was designated for
development of improved germplasms of globemallows, particularly Sphaeralcea
grossulariifolia and S. munroana. Larson’s funding was designated for genetic (DNA)
analysis of bluebunch wheatgrass, Leymus wildryes, squirreltail, Indian ricegrass, and Utah
47
sweetvetch. These funds partially covered the costs of research itemized in this report with
remaining costs covered by ARS funds.
Project Status:
North American Grasses
• Rattlesnake Germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail (E. elymoides ssp. elymoides),
developed from material collected in Elmore Co., ID, was approved for release and is
awaiting signatures. A seed-increase block was established. (Jones)
• Cycles of selection were completed for populations of diploid bluebunch wheatgrass
(4), tetraploid bluebunch wheatgrass (2), and thickspike wheatgrass (2). (Jones)
• Selection blocks were established for populations of bottlebrush squirreltail (E.
elymoides ssp. californicus) (1), Snake River x thickspike wheatgrass (1), diploid
bluebunch wheatgrass (1), tetraploid bluebunch wheatgrass (1), and a Snake River x
(thickspike x slender) wheatgrass hybrid (1), basin x beardless wildrye (1), and salina
wildrye (1). (Jones)
• An evaluation of nine bluebunch wheatgrass populations from the Owhyee Plateau
indicated that T-1561 (SW Marsing, ID) has the greatest potential.
• Greenhouse and field trials of 36 accessions of bottlebrush squirreltail ssp. brevifolius
race C from Idaho and Oregon allowed evaluation of seedling traits and mature-plant
phenology. (Jones)
• A seed-increase block of E-21 Snake River wheatgrass was established to prepare for
possible release. (Jones)
• An evaluation of 42 accessions of needle-and-thread from southern Idaho and
northeastern Oregon was established at Cornish Farm. (Jones)
• An evaluation of 15 accessions of Thurber’s needlegrass from southwestern Idaho and
southeastern Oregon was established at Blue Creek Farm. (Jones)
• A nursery of Festuca idahoensis X F. roemeri hybrids was established to evaluate
pollen fertility to clarify the taxonomic relationship between these two taxa. (Jones
and Larson)
• Data analysis of squirreltail taxa evaluated under a precipitation gradient in a rainout
shelter has been completed, and a manuscript is being prepared. Data collection of a
similar study for bluebunch wheatgrass was also completed. In 2006, the squirreltail
data sets were statistically analyzed and a manuscript first draft was written. New data
were generated by analyzing leaf N and leaf C:N ratio, and these data were compared
to biomass production and carbon isotope discrimination in squirreltail taxa. A second
manuscript was started that focuses on leaf-level gas exchange (photosynthesis) of
both perennial grasses. (Monaco, Jones, Johnson).
Basalt Milkvetch (Astragalus filipes)
• Six rhizobial strains isolated by the Nitragin Company were tested in two greenhouse
studies for their effectiveness at nitrogen fixation with six different collections of
basalt milkvetch. The six rhizobial strains were compared with no-nitrogen and
nitrogen treatments to identify the rhizobial strain resulting in the greatest nitrogen
fixation, plant growth, and nitrogen pools. Rhizobial strain I-49 was the best strain and
48
•
•
•
•
•
•
will be used by the Nitragin Company to produce a commercial rhizobial inoculant for
basalt milkvetch. (Johnson)
Plants of 67 accessions of basalt milkvetch were evaluated in common garden studies
at Evans Farm and Millville in northern Utah for their morphological characteristics,
plant vigor, forage yield and quality, seed yield, and regrowth after defoliation during
the summer of 2006. Data from 2005 and 2006 were statistically analyzed, and two
manuscripts are being prepared. (Johnson)
Kishor Bhattarai, an M.S. student at Utah State University, is being supported from
funds on this project. He is preparing his thesis from the basalt milkvetch research
and is planning to defend his thesis during spring 2007. (Johnson)
Transplants of the top-performing basalt milkvetch accessions were planted at Hyde
Park in northern Utah in spring 2006 and will be used in the development of a selected
class pre-variety germplasm of basalt milkvetch. (Johnson)
DNA was extracted for informative AFLP DNA primer pairs in North American
collections of basalt milkvetch. These data will be used to obtain estimates of genetic
diversity for 1,200 AFLP markers. (Johnson)
Collaborations are continuing with Jim Cane at the USDA-ARS Bee Biology and
Systematics Lab at Logan to study pollination and seed predation in basalt milkvetch.
(Johnson)
A GIS data extraction tool with 11 data layers was constructed, and a web-based
version was made available through Utah State University’s GIS and Remote Sensing
Laboratory website to characterize collection sites in the lower 48 states. This tool
will allow collection sites across the U.S. to be characterized for annual precipitation,
annual minimum and maximum temperatures, ecoregion levels, topographic
characters, soils features, and land ownership. This tool could be used as a basis for
delineating seed zones for rangeland plant species. (Johnson)
Genetic Diversity Analyses
• In cooperation with Mike Peel and Shaun Bushman, we prepared and submitted a
manuscript describing DNA variation within and between 21 Hedysarum boreale
accessions (384 plants), including two accessions from the USFS Shrub Sciences
Laboratory and 10 accessions from the UDWR Great Basin Research Center. We
acknowledged the financial support of the U.S. Department of the Interior-Bureau of
Land Management Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture-Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, the Utah
Division of Wildlife Resources – Pittman / Robertson Big Game Habitat Restoration
Project W-82-R, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture –Agricultural Research
Service. (Larson)
• Supported a research assistantship for Utah State University graduate student
Catherine Mae Culumber, who analyzed chloroplast psbA-trnH intergenic spacer
sequences, chloroplast trnK-rps16 intergenic spacer sequences, and nuclear 18S-5.8S26S ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences for 335 Leymus
wildrye accessions including 304 North American accessions (nine species) and 31
Eurasian accessions (nine species). The Leymus germplasm included 55 GBRC
collections, four Berta Youtie collections, and 61 new FRRL wildland seed collections
from 2004. Results of this genetic diversity study are described in her M.S. thesis,
49
•
which will be defended and submitted for publication in the spring 2007. Mae also
helped collect Lepidium montanum herbarium specimens and DNA samples from 30
collection sites (ID, NV, OR, UT, and WY), which provided crucial reference
specimens used for genetic diversity studies of Lepidium papilliferum and L.
montanum. Although, the Lepidium work was primarily funded by ARS, we intend to
acknowledge U.S. Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management Great
Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project in the Leymus and Lepidium reports.
(Larson)
Supported research assistantship for Utah State University graduate student Parminder
Kaur, who is genetically mapping genes and comparing gene expression profiles
related to adaptive trait variation (growth habit) in North American Leymus wildryes.
Parminder also began testing 1,800 PCR primer pairs flanking simple-sequence
repeats (SSR) detected in a library of 28,632 expressed gene sequence tags (ESTs) of
Leymus. (Larson)
Globemallows (Sphaeralcea spp.)
• In spring 2006, progenies of 21 half-sib families of S. munroana were established at
Utah State University’s Blue Creek Research Farm. This material will be evaluated
during the 2007 growing season for growth habit, leaf type, persistence, vigor and
particularly seed production. (Peel)
• It is expected that desirable plant types from this cycle of selection will be used to
generate seed for testing and eventual germplasm release. (Peel)
• Following evaluation of S. coccinea in 2006, 18 lines were selected for further
characterization. It was the intent to start this material in the greenhouse during the
2006/2007 winter for transplanting to the field in spring 2007. However, serious seed
quality issues and a very small number of plants have been successfully started. (Peel)
• It is anticipated that seed from the S. coccinea material will be harvested again in 2007
and a second attempt will be made the following year at successful establishment.
(Peel)
Products:
Four M.S. and two Ph.D. students have been supported in part through project funds.
The release of Rattlesnake Germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail makes seed of this competitive
early-seral species from the Lower Snake River Plain available for the first time.
Submitted chloroplast psbA-trnH intergenic spacer sequences, chloroplast trnK-rps16
intergenic spacer sequences, and nuclear 18S-5.8S-26S ribosomal DNA internal transcribed
spacer (ITS) sequences for 335 Leymus wildrye accessions including 304 North American
accessions (nine species) and 31 Eurasian accessions (nine species). These materials included
55 GBRC collections, four Berta Youtie collections, and 61 new FRRL wildland seed
collections from 2004.
Management Applications:
Collections of bottlebrush squirreltail, Indian ricegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, thickspike
wheatgrass, Snake River wheatgrass, salina wildrye, needle-and thread, Idaho fescue, and
50
Roemer’s fescue were made and are being evaluated in this project. Data collected in these
evaluation studies will form the basis for identifying the most promising collections of these
species for eventual germplasm releases for use in revegetation and restoration efforts on
rangelands of the western U.S. Releases of these species will allow land managers greater
flexibility in meeting plant materials needs for western rangelands.
Globemallow and basalt milkvetch are species that are drought and heat tolerant, winterhardy,
and survive well in semiarid environments. When included in seed mixtures with adapted
grasses, plants of these species will be of value in stabilizing degraded rangelands,
revegetating disturbed areas, and beautifying roadsides. These native forb species may be
used where introduced species are not desired. Their attractive foliage and flowers make them
excellent choices for use in wildflower seed mixtures.
The molecular genetics information generated from this project will be used to genetically
characterize collections of important Great Basin plant species. These molecular data will
allow identification of optimal germplasm releases to most effectively represent existing
genetic variation in key plant species. Molecular data will also be useful in identifying
specific gene sequences associated with growth habit, seed-shattering, seed dormancy and
other functionally important traits related to seed production, plant establishment, plant
adaptation, forage quality, and other conservation uses. These SSR and other EST DNA
markers will provide a valuable new resource for breeding and genetic diversity studies of
North American Leymus wildryes used in rangeland revegetation, agriculture, and other
conservation uses.
Squirreltail and bluebunch wheatgrass populations were previously delineated based on
morphological and genetic characteristics. Our studies showcase the functional importance of
variation in drought response between these populations. Populations capable of maintaining
favorable water balance, photosynthesis, and productivity under low water availability may
have an advantage when competing with invasive annual grasses in late spring, when soil
resources typically become limiting within the Great Basin.
Publications:
Bushman, S.B., S.R. Larson, M.D. Peel, and M.E. Pfrender. 2007. Population structure and
genetic diversity in North American Hedysarum boreale. Nutt. Crop Science (in press).
Jones, T.A., and T.A. Monaco. 2007. A restoration practitioner’s guide to the Restoration
Gene Pool Concept. Ecol. Restor. 25: 12-19.
Jones, T.A., M.G. Redinbaugh, Y. Zhang, S.R. Larson, and B.D. Dow. 2007. Polymorphic
Indian ricegrass populations result from overlapping waves of migration. W. North Amer.
Nat. 67: (accepted 9/7/06).
Larson, S.R., X. Wu, T.A. Jones, K.B. Jensen, N.J. Chatterton, B.L. Waldron, J.G. Robins,
S.B. Bushman, and A.J. Palazzo. Growth habit, height, and flowering QTLs reveal footprints
of speciation between North American Leymus wildryes. Crop Science. (submitted).
51
Technology Transfer:
A presentation was made by Tom Jones at the Red Brome Symposium in April 2006 (Gilbert,
AZ).
A presentation was made by Tom Jones at the Grass Breeders’ Conference in July 2006
(Ames, IA).
Poster abstract was presented at Plant and Animal Genome XV Meetings, January, 13-17,
2007. Kaur, P., I. W. Mott, S. Bushman, S.R. Larson. Comparison of gene expression in
Leymus tiller and rhizome meristems using heterologous Affymetrix wheat and barley gene
chips.
Presentations were made by Tom Jones and Doug Johnson at the GBNPSIP Symposium at the
2007 SRM Annual Meeting in February 2007 (Reno, NV).
52
Project Title:
Agronomic and Cultural Care of Wildland Plants,
and Seed Yield Losses in Forbs (Asteraceae) Due
to Fruit Flies (Tephritidae)
Project Location:
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Val Anderson
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.3527, Fax: 801.422.0090
val_anderson@byu.edu
Robert Johnson
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.3311, Fax: 801.422.0090
robert_johnson@byu.edu
Bruce Roundy
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.8137, Fax: 801.422.0090
bruce_roundy@byu.edu
Project Description:
Four projects were carried out in 2006.
1. Seeding depth studies: The seeding depth study is designed to determine optimal
planting depth. This greenhouse study compares planting depths at 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8,
and 0 inches in a clay-loam and sandy soil.
2. Spacing and production methodology development: This project investigates the
effect of within row spacing at 6, 12, and 18 inches on seed production as well as the
influence of mulch. Mulch treatments include weed fabric, paper, plastic, and bare
ground.
3. Manipulations of wild bitterbrush and sagebrush stands: Another way to increase seed
production is to manage wildland stands of important species. This study investigates
methodologies to increase seed production in wildland stands of bitterbrush and
Wyoming big sage. A combination of treatments was applied including: removal of
competing vegetation, fertilization, and pruning. The long-term effect of beating
versus hand stripping was also examined.
4. Seed yield losses due to tephritid fruit flies in Asteraceae: Understanding the extent of
seed yield losses by seed predators in wild forb populations will help predict the
53
potential seed loss of native forbs under cultivation. This project looks at seed loss
occurring in four yellow composite species at three different sites, the insect
composition of flower visitors, and the effect of spraying the pesticide imidachloprid
for controlling seed predation.
1. Seeding Depth
Project Status: A new set of species was provided by the U.S. Forest Service Shrub
Sciences Laboratory. Four species were planted in a replicated block design in two soil
types, watered, and cold stratified for six weeks. Those species were Crepis intermedia,
Crepis acuminata, Balsamorhiza sagittata, and Perideridia bolanderi. Soil types were
clay-loam, and sand. We hope to replicate this study in 2006.
2. Spacing and Production Methodology
Project Status: Evaluations of Sphaeralcea were completed in 2005. Sphaeralcea
coccinea died out over the winter so production data were collected on S. grossulariifolia
and S. munroana. The condition of the remaining two species was generally fair to poor,
indicating a possible short-lived perennial status for Sphaeralcea on heavy soils. A rust
fungus was prevalent throughout the population and where the plant crown produced
abundant stems the previous year, 2006 stem production was severely reduced. In 2005,
a single harvest was employed cutting the stems with a harvester and air-drying the plant
material on tarps before threshing. Yields were significantly reduced over the previous
year, an effect of lower production but also an artifact of different harvest techniques.
Seed was hand harvested the previous year over an extended period maximizing seed
capture. The single machine harvest completed at mid seed ripening missed some early
shatter and was premature for some plants. The machine harvest does, however, fit into a
more realistic yield model for large-scale agricultural production.
Year by Space
1000
900
800
a
700
lbs/acre
Where spacing was
significant the first
season, it no longer
displayed significance
in 2006 (Fig.1). This
was in part due to the
fact that the 6 inchspaced plants had
higher mortality,
equalizing the spacing
to some extent. Mulch
was not significant in
2006.
600
500
6
b
12
b
400
18
300
200
100
d
d
0
2005
d
2006
Figure 1. Seed yield (lbs/acre) of Sphaeralcea by row spacing
(6, 12, or 18 inches).
54
Four additional plant species were introduced into the experiment in 2006. The same spacings
were used, but paper mulch was removed as a mulch treatment. Lupinus argenteus, Crepis
intermedia, and Agoseris glauca were planted
3. Manipulations of wildland bitterbrush and sagebrush stands:
Project Status: Annual herbicide application for the competition removal treatment on
bitterbrush was repeated in April of 2006. Two treatments were applied this year. The first was
in April and the second in late May. Below freezing temperatures over Memorial Day weekend
of this year froze the flowers at the Utah site. Due to complications with the unpredictable seed
shatter, we decided to sub-sample the plants by wrapping individual reproductive stems with a
fine mesh fabric to capture the seed rain, thus avoiding the necessity of seed harvest at precisely
the right time. Seed bags were made of 1/8th inch mesh cut into 2 ft2 sections and wrapped on
three randomly selected branches on each plant. Seed bags were placed on the shrubs at the
“blood stage” of seed ripening. This task was accomplished first at the Idaho site and continued
through the third week of June. By the first week of July an insect infestation at the Nevada site
was so severe that the majority of seed at this site was lost.
Because two sites failed in seed production we modified our data point from seed production to
potential seed production and implemented a new collection protocol based on the number of
spurs, length, and number of leaders per unit area. Since a single spur represents one
reproductive unit, we could estimate the potential seed production based on a plants reproductive
potential. A one square meter quadrat was built with intersecting wires to create 25 individual
points and 16 nested frames from which to randomly collect data. Attributes of the nearest spurto-point and the number of spurs per nested frame were recorded. For analysis, all data were
extrapolated to a square meter basis. Since current year’s growth and the previous year’s growth
are easily distinguishable, the same data were collected for the previous season.
Competition Removal
3500
3000
Spurs per m eter 2
Across all sites, competition
removal was the only treatment
that showed a positive effect on
spur production (Fig.2). On the
Utah site, browse was shown to
have a negative effect (Fig. 3).
We attribute this to the fact that
the Utah site was the only site to
receive browsing during the last
two years. It is part of a sheep
allotment while the other two
sites are part of a cattle allotment
and were not grazed during the
time of our study.
2500
2000
competition removal
1500
no competition removal
1000
500
0
2005
2006
Figure 2. Antelope bitterbrush spurs m-2 with competition
present or removed in 2005 and 2006.
55
S p u rs p e r m e te r
2
In spring 2006, herbicide was
Utah Biterbush Browse
applied to the sagebrush
treatments designated for
2500
competition removal.
2000
Starting in October we began
1500
monitoring the flowering at
Browse
all sites. After flowering
No Browse
1000
(approx. late October to early
500
November) we used nylon
0
stockings to “bag” a subUtah
Utah
sample of the inflorescences
2005
2006
on each of 80 plants in the
sample population. We
bagged individual
Figure 3. Antelope bitterbrush spurs m-2 with or
inflorescences and secured
without browsing in 2005 and 2006 at the Utah site.
the bags at the bottom with nylon
zip-ties. We did this to eliminate the problem of uneven seed ripening and shatter that were
encountered in 2005. In early December, the seed bags were collected and brought back to the
lab for processing. Data will be analyzed and reported in 2007.
4. Seed yield losses due to tephritid fruit flies in Asteraceae
Project Status: In 2006, three sites each for Balsamorhiza sagittata, Wyethia amplexicaulis,
Crepis acuminata, and Agoseris glauca, were selected for 2 years of monitoring. Some of these
sites remained from the previous season, and some were newly located to obtain a compliment of
three sites/species. In addition to the standard seed predation rate evaluations begun in 2005,
random plants from each population were selected for pesticide application. Imidachloprid was
used on half the sample population as a soil drench applied early in the season, and as a spray on
the other half at the flower bud stage just prior to flowering. Capitula of random samples from
treated and untreated plants were collected and placed in cups for rearing. Emerged insects were
counted and the capitula dissected to determine the extent of seed damage (Figs. 4-6).
Additionally, plant populations were swept to quantify the composition of flower visiting insects.
Contents of each sweep sample were aspirated and placed in 70% ethanol. A late freeze
decimated the developing flowers at all our of our Balsamorhiza sites in 2006.
In all cases the application of imidachloprid significantly reduced infestation rates. The soil
drench performed better than the spray, and in some cases reduced seed predation to near zero.
56
Coleoptera
-
Lepidoptera
Hymenoptera
Braconus sp.
Chalcidoid unkn
average seeds/flower head = 55
average seed damage = 39%
average seed head infestation = 74%
average plant infestation = 100%
Euderus sp.
Z. mississippiensis
Pteromalus sp.
Diptera
Diptera other
Trupanea nigricornis
Neotephritis finalis
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
abundance
Figure 4. Composition of reared insects for Wyethia amplexicaulis. Fruit flies were the most
dominant seed predator.
Hymenoptera
Lepidoptera
Braconus sp.
-
Pteromalus sp.
average seeds/flower head = 9
average seed damage = 14%
average seed head infestation = 56%
average plant infestation = 82%
Diptera
Diptera other
Paroxyna sp. n.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
abundance
Figure 5. Composition of reared insects for Agoseris glauca. Fruit flies were the
dominant seed predator.
57
Hymonptera
-
Lepidoptera
average seeds/flower head = 38
average seed damage = 10%
average seed head infestation = 18%
average plant infestation = 18%
Braconus sp.
Diptera
Diptera other
Paroxyna sp. n.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
abundance
Figure 6. Composition of reared insects for Crepis acuminata. Moths were the
dominant seed predator.
Technology transfer:
The following presentations were given in 2006.
Johnson, R. L., V. J. Anderson. 2006. Estimates of seed production loss in wild plants
populations by capitivorous fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). 90th annual meeting for Pacific
Branch Entomological Society of America. Maui, Hawaii.
Johnson, R.L., V.J. Anderson. 2006. Reduction in seed yields of forbs from native stands due to
seed predation by fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). 2006 Society for Range Management
Annual Meeting. Abstract 198. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Taylor, B. G., R. L. Johnson, V. J. Anderson, B. A. Roundy. 2006. Two year evaluation of
cultural practices on seed production of select native forbs. 2006 Society for Range
Management Annual Meeting. Abstract 353. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Voss, J., V. J. Anderson, R. Johnson. 2006. Effect of three rates of five different herbicides on
seven native forbs at various growth stages. 2006 Society for Range Management Annual
Meeting. Abstract 371. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Roberts, L. V. J. Anderson, R. Johnson. 2006. Shrub stand manipulations to improve seed
production in antelope bitterbrush in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. 2006 Society for Range
Management Annual Meeting. Abstract 308. Vancouver, British Columbia.
58
Armstrong, J., V. J. Anderson, R. Johnson. 2006. Shrub stand manipulations to improve seed
production in Wyoming big sagebrush in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. 2006 Society for Range
Management Annual Meeting. Abstract 9. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Management Applications:
The following take-home messages have management application:
ƒ
The single limiting factor for increased seed production of bitterbrush and Wyoming big sage
in wildland stands is water. Removal of plants competing for that resource can increase
potential seed yield.
ƒ
Productive stands of bitterbrush designated for seed harvesting should be protected from
grazing.
ƒ
The first season’s seed production of Sphaeralcea has the best yield potential. This is when
plants are most vigorous and healthy. Seed production is expected to decrease after the first
year on heavy soils unless practices are employed to decrease mortality and disease.
ƒ
The first season’s seed production is highest for plants planted at a 6-inch within row
spacing. This density may, however, contribute to increased plant mortality and disease in
subsequent years.
ƒ
Mulch type seems to have no affect on seed yield in Sphaeralcea compared to no-mulch.
Any realized benefit may be in reduced weed control costs.
ƒ
Overall seed yield loss in wild populations averaged between 10-39% (depending upon the
species) due to pre-dispersal seed predators. The range of damage was much higher
depending upon the site. Higher losses in seed yield could be expected in agricultural
production in monoculture systems.
ƒ
Imidachloprid proved affective at controlling seed predators, but an alternative, nonsystemic, insecticide would be required in agricultural production to prevent impacting
pollinators.
59
Project Title:
Seed Production of Native Forbs Shows Little Response to
Irrigation in a Wet Year
Project Location:
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Clinton C. Shock, Professor and Superintendent
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.2174, Fax: 541.889.7831
clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu
Erik B.G. Feibert, Senior Faculty Research Assistant
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.2174, Fax: 541.889.7831
erik.feibert@oregonstate.edu
Lamont Saunders, Biology Research Technician
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.2174, Fax: 541.889.7831
lamont.saunders@oregonstate.edu
Project Description:
Native forb seed is needed to restore rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial seed
production is necessary to provide the quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A major
limitation to economically viable commercial production of native forb seed is stable and
consistent seed productivity over years. Variations in spring rainfall and soil moisture result in
highly unpredictable water stress at seed set and development. Excessive water stress during
seed set and development is known to compromise yield and quality of other seed crops.
Native forbs are not competitive with crop weeds. Both sprinkler and furrow irrigation promote
seed production, but risk encouraging weeds. Furthermore, sprinkler and furrow irrigation can
lead to the loss of plant stand and seed production to fungal pathogens. By burying drip tapes at
12-inch depth, and avoiding wetting of the soil surface, we hope to assure flowering and seed set
without encouraging weeds or opportunistic diseases. This trial tested the effect of three
irrigation intensities on the seed yield of seven native forb species.
Materials and Methods:
Plant Establishment
Seed of seven Great Basin forb species (Table 1) was received in late November 2004 from the
USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) in Boise. The plan was to plant the seed in the
fall of 2004, but due to excessive rainfall in October, the ground preparation was not completed
and planting was postponed to 2005. To ensure germination the seed was submitted to a cold
60
stratification treatment. The seed was soaked overnight in distilled water on January 26, 2004.
After soaking, the water was drained and the seed soaked for 20 minutes in a 10% by volume
solution of 13% bleach in distilled water. The water was drained and the seed placed in a thin
layer in plastic containers. The plastic containers had lids with holes drilled to allow air
movement. The seed containers were placed in a cooler set at approximately 340 F. Every few
days the seed was mixed and, if necessary, distilled water added to maintain moisture. In late
February, seed of Lomatium grayi and Lomatium triternatum had started sprouting.
Table 1. Forb species planted at the Malheur Experiment Station and their origins.
Common name
Species
Origin
Sulfur buckwheat
Shoofly Road (ID)
Eriogonum umbellatum
Sand penstemon
Bliss Dam (ID)
Penstemon acuminatus
Hotrock penstemon
Blacks Cr. Rd. (ID)
Penstemon deustus
Royal or sagebrush penstemon
Leslie Gulch (OR)
Penstemon speciosus
Fernleaf biscuitroot
Mann Creek (ID)
Lomatium dissectum
Nineleaf desert parsley
Hwy 395 (OR)
Lomatium triternatum
Gray’s lomatium
Weiser R. Rd. (ID)
Lomatium grayi
Year
2004
2004
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
In late February, 2005, drip tape (T-Tape TSX 515-16-340) was buried at 12-inch depth between
two rows (30 inch rows) of a Nyssa silt loam. The drip tape was buried on alternating inter-row
spaces (5 ft apart). The flow rate for the drip tape was 0.34 gal/min/100 ft at 8 PSI with emitters
spaced 16 inches apart, resulting in a water application rate of 0.066 inch/hour.
The trial was conducted in a field of Nyssa silt loam with a pH of 8.3 and 1.1% organic matter.
On March 3, seed of all species was planted in 30 inch rows using a custom made plot grain drill
with disk openers. All seed was planted at 20-30 seeds per foot of row. The E. umbellatum and
Penstemon spp. were planted at 0.25 inch depth and the Lomatium spp. at 0.5 inch depth. The
trial was irrigated with a minisprinkler system (R10 Turbo Rotator, Nelson Irrigation Corp.,
Walla Walla, WA) for even stand establishment from March 4 to April 29. Risers were spaced
25 ft apart along the flexible polyethylene hose laterals that were spaced 30 ft apart and the water
application rate was 0.10 inch/hour. A total of 1.72 inches of water was applied with the
minisprinkler system. Eriogonum umbellatum, L. triternatum, and L. grayi started emerging on
March 29. All other species, except L. dissectum, emerged by late April. Starting June 24, the
field was irrigated using the drip system. A total of 3.73 inches of water was applied with the
drip system from June 24 to July 7. Thereafter the field was not irrigated.
Plant stands for E. umbellatum, all 3 Penstemons, L. triternatum, and L. grayi were uneven.
Lomatium dissectum did not emerge. None of the species flowered in 2005. In early October,
2005, RMRS provided additional seed for replanting. The E. umbellatum and Penstemon spp.
plots had the empty lengths of row replanted by hand. The Lomatium spp. plots had the entire
row lengths replanted using the planter. The seed was replanted on October 26, 2005. In the
spring of 2006, plant stand of the replanted species was excellent, except for P. deustus.
Irrigation for seed production
In April, 2006, the field was divided into plots 30 feet long. Each plot contained 4 rows of each
of the 7 forb species. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4
61
replicates. The three irrigation treatments were: a non irrigated check, one inch per irrigation for
a total of 4.8 inches, and 2 inches per irrigation for a total of 8.7 inches. Four irrigations were
applied approximately every 2 weeks starting on May 19. The amount of water applied to each
plot was measured by a water meter for each plot and recorded after each irrigation (Table 2). At
the first irrigation on May 19, P. acuminatus had ended flowering, P. deustus and P. speciosus
were flowering, and E. umbellatum had just initiated flowering.
Soil volumetric water content was measured by neutron probe. The neutron probe was calibrated
by taking soil samples and probe readings at 8, 20, and 32 inch depths during installation of the
access tubes. The soil water content was determined volumetrically from the soil samples and
regressed against the neutron probe readings, separately for each soil depth. The regression
equations were then used to transform the neutron probe readings during the season into
volumetric soil water content.
Eriogonum umbellatum flowering started on May 19, peaked on June 24, and ended on July 28.
Penstemon acuminatus flowering started on May 2, peaked on May 10, and ended on May 19.
Penstemon speciosus flowering started on May 10 and peaked on May 19. Penstemon deustus
flowering started on May 10, and peaked on May 22.
The E. umbellatum and Penstemon spp. plots produced seed in 2006, probably because they had
emerged in the spring of 2005. In these plots, only the lengths of row that had consistent stand
and seed production were harvested. The plant stand for P. deustus was too poor to result in
reliable seed yield estimates. The middle two rows of each plot were harvested using a
Wintersteiger Nurserymaster small plot combine. Penstemon acuminatus was harvested on July
7, P. speciosus was harvested on July 13, E. umbellatum was harvested on August 3, and P.
deustus was harvested on August 4.
Eriogonum umbellatum seeds did not separate from the flowering sructures in the combine.
Unthreshed E. umbellatum seed was taken to the U.S. Forest Service Lucky Peak Nursery and
run through a dewinger to separate seed. The seed was further cleaned in a small clipper seed
cleaner.
Penstemon deustus seed capsules were too hard to be opened in the combine. Penstemon deustus
unthreshed seed was pre-cleaned in a small clipper seed cleaner and capsules were then broken
manually by rubbing on a ribbed rubber mat. The seed was then cleaned again in the small
clipper seed cleaner.
Penstemon acuminatus and P. speciosus threshed in the combine and the seed was further
cleaned using a small clipper seed cleaner.
Results and Discussion:
Precipitation in 2005 and 2006 was higher than normal at the Malheur Experiment Station
(Figure 1). Precipitation from October 2004 through June 2005 totaled 11.1 inches and from
October 2005 through June 2006 totaled 15.9 inches. The 62 year average precipitation for
October through June is 9.2 inches. The wet weather could have attenuated the effects of the
62
irrigation treatments. The actual amount of water applied for each irrigation treatment was
relatively close to the planned amounts (Table 2). The soil volumetric water content responded
to the irrigation treatments (Figures 2, 3, and 4).
There was no significant difference in seed yield between irrigation treatments for P.
acuminatus, P. deustus, and P. speciosus (Table 3). Eriogonum umbellatum showed a trend for
increasing seed yield with increasing irrigation, with the 2 inch irrigation rate resulting in higher
seed yield than the 1 inch irrigation rate or the non-irrigated check. Compared to the Penstemon
spp., E. umbellatum flowered later, at about the same time as the start of the irrigation
treatments. Penstemon acuminatus had ended flowering at the start of the irrigation treatments.
Penstemon speciosus and P. deustus were in mid-flowering at the start of the irrigation
treatments. The later reproductive stage of E. umbellatum might explain the response to the
irrigation treatments.
The lack of seed yield response to irrigation of the Penstemon species in this trial is consistent
with substantial rainfall over the winter and spring of 2006 and consistent with the rangelands
showing vigorous growth of native plants in the spring of 2006.
Improvements in the planned experimental protocol for 2007 are to deliver irrigation water more
closely to the flowering and seed formation stages for each forb species.
2005
2006
average
Precipitation (inches)
4
3
2
1
0
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun Jul
Figure 1. Monthly precipitation from October of the previous year
through July for the displayed years. Malheur Experiment Station,
Oregon State University, Ontario, OR, 2006.
63
Table 2. Irrigation treatments and actual amounts of water applied to
native forbs. Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University,
Ontario, OR, 2006.
Irrigation rates (inches per irrigation)
Date
Planned
Actual
May 19
2
2.2
1
1.3
June 2
2
2.2
1
1.2
June 20
2
2
1
1.2
June 30
2
2.3
1
1.1
Total
8
8.7
4
4.8
Table 3. Native forb seed yield response to irrigation rate. Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon
State University, Ontario, OR, 2006.
Total irrigation
Eriogonum
Penstemon
Penstemon
Penstemon
applied
umbellatum
acuminatus
deustus*
speciosus
inches
--------------------------------- lb/acre -----------------------------------8.7
371.6
544.0
1,068.6
213.6
4.8
214.4
611.1
1,200.8
285.4
0
155.3
538.4
1,246.4
163.5
LSD (0.05)
92.9
NS
NS
*Yields might overestimate potential commercial yields due to small areas harvested.
NS
64
2 inches
1 inch
0 inches
Volumetric water content, %
30
25
20
mid flowering
flowering starts
15
10
138
153
156
179
187
Day of year
Figure 2. Soil volumetric water content for Eriogonum
umbellatum over time. Soil volumetric water content
is the combined average at the 8, 20, and 32 inch depths.
Eriogonum umbellatum was harvested on August 3
(day 215). Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State
University, Ontario, OR, 2006.
2 inches
1 inch
0 inches
Volumetric water content, %
30
25
20
harvest
flowering ends
15
10
138
153
156
179
187
Day of year
Figure 3. Soil volumetric water content for Penstemon acuminatus over
time. Soil volumetric water content is the combined average at the 8, 20,
and 32 inch depths. Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University,
Ontario, OR, 2006.
65
2 inches
1 inch
0 inches
Volumetric water content, %
30
25
20
mid flowering
15
10
138
153
156
179
187
Day of year
Figure 4. Soil volumetric water content for Penstemon speciosus
over time. Soil volumetric water content is the combined average
at the 8, 20, and 32 inch depths. Penstemon speciosus was harvested
on July 13 (day 194). Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State
University, Ontario, OR, 2006.
66
Table 4. Soil volumetric water content for native forb species submitted to 3 irrigation intensities.
Depth
18-May
2 inches 1 inch 0 inches
2-Jun
2 inches 1 inch 0 inches
0.2 m
0.5 m
0.8 m
Average
16.4
24.5
24.2
21.7
16.4
24.5
24.2
21.7
16.4
24.5
24.2
21.7
17.9
28.7
28.6
25.1
15.6
24.2
24.1
21.3
14.1
25.4
23.7
21.1
0.2 m
0.5 m
0.8 m
Average
11.2
19.0
21.3
17.2
11.2
19.0
21.3
17.2
11.2
19.0
21.3
17.2
17.9
28.7
28.6
25.1
10.7
18.7
20.7
16.7
14.1
25.4
23.7
21.1
0.2 m
0.5 m
0.8 m
Average
13.1
30.3
23.9
22.4
13.1
30.3
23.9
22.4
13.1
30.3
23.9
22.4
12.1
25.2
27.4
21.5
13.7
22.6
23.6
20.0
9.8
22.1
21.6
17.8
5-Jun
2 inches 1 inch 0 inches
Eriogonum umbellatum
22.3
19.1
14.0
32.1
26.6
25.3
31.1
25.6
23.7
28.5
23.8
21.0
Penstemon acuminatus
22.3
11.7
14.0
32.1
20.5
25.3
31.1
20.8
23.7
28.5
17.7
21.0
Penstemon speciosus
18.0
17.0
9.5
32.4
25.1
21.5
31.8
24.1
21.2
27.4
22.1
17.4
28-Jun
2 inches 1 inch 0 inches
6-Jul
2 inches 1 inch 0 inches
19.8
29.7
28.8
26.1
13.6
22.8
27.7
21.4
12.4
24.1
23.1
19.9
21.0
30.1
29.3
28.5
14.7
24.2
26.2
23.8
5.1
16.4
22.5
21.0
19.6
30.5
27.9
26.0
16.1
23.7
23.6
21.1
12.4
24.1
23.1
19.9
21.5
32.2
28.6
28.5
12.8
22.5
21.8
17.7
7.0
17.2
21.0
21.0
13.6
26.8
28.7
23.0
13.2
22.4
22.8
19.4
7.3
18.1
18.4
14.6
17.3
29.5
29.8
27.4
14.6
23.2
23.1
22.1
7.1
17.4
17.8
17.4
*inches of water per irrigation
67
Project Title:
Tolerance of Seven Native Forbs to Preemergence and
Postemergence Herbicides
Project Location:
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Clinton C. Shock
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.2174, Fax 541.889.7831
clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu
Joey Ishida
Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station
595 Onion Ave., Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.2174, Fax 541.889.7831
Joey.ishida@oregonstate.edu
Corey Ransom
Utah State University
Department of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology
4820 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-4820
corey.ransom@usu.edu
Project Description:
Native forb seed is needed to restore rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial seed
production is necessary to provide the quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A major
limitation to economically viable commercial production of native forb seed is weed
competition. Weeds are adapted to growing in disturbed soil, and native forbs are not
competitive with these weeds. There is a considerable body of knowledge about the relative
efficacy of different herbicides to control target weeds, but few trials have tested native forbs for
their tolerance to commercial herbicides.
The trials reported here tested the tolerance of seven native forb species to conventional
preemergence and post emergence herbicides in the field. This work seeks to discover products
that could eventually be registered for use for native forb seed production. The information in
this report is for the purpose of informing cooperators and colleagues in other agencies,
universities, and industry of the research results. Reference to products and companies in this
publication is for the specific information only and does not endorse or recommend that product
or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Nor, should any information and
interpretation thereof be considered as recommendations for the application of any of these
herbicides. Pesticide labels should always be consulted before any pesticide use. Considerable
efforts may be required to register these herbicides for use for native forb seed production.
68
Materials and Methods:
Plant Establishment
Seed of seven Great Basin forb species (Table 1) received in October 2005 was planted
November 1, 2005. The field had been disked, ground hogged, and marked out in rows 30 inches
apart. The seven forb species were planted in individual rows 435 feet long 30 inches apart.
Planting depths were similar to those used in the irrigation trial and varied by species. The crop
preceding forbs was wheat. Prior to planting, one drip tape was inserted 12 inches deep
equidistant between pairs of rows to be planted. The drip tape was supplied with irrigation water
using filtration and other common drip irrigation practices (Shock et al., 2005)
Preemergence Treatments
The weather was wet and windy delaying the application of preemergence herbicide treatments.
The field was staked out to make 5-ft wide plots perpendicular to the forb rows, crossing all
seven species using the upper 200 feet of the field. Eight treatments (Table 2) including the
untreated check were replicated four times, in a randomized complete block design. Treatments
were applied 5 January 2006 at 30 psi, 2.63 mph, in 20 gal/ac using 8002 nozzles with three
nozzles spaced 20 inches apart.
By early January the planted area had volunteer wheat and blue mustard. Roundup UltraMax at
1.01 lb ai/ac was sprayed 6 January 2006 over the entire area to control the volunteer wheat and
other weeds that had emerged. The Roundup was applied at 30 psi, 2.63 mph, in 20 gal/ac using
8002 nozzles with three nozzles spaced 20 inches apart.
On 16 March there was good emergence of the Lomatium species. The forbs were cultivated
April 13. Cultivation of adjoining areas damaged part of the Eriogonum umbellatum that had
emerged. Starting April 17 emerged plants were counted in 6 inches of row. Plants were
evaluated subjectively for injury on a scale of 0 = no injury and 100 = plants dead.
Postemergence Treatments
Postemergence treatments (Table 3) were applied in the same fashion as the preemergence
treatments. The field was staked out to make 5-ft wide plots perpendicular to the forb rows,
crossing all seven species using the lower 200 feet of the field. Eight treatments including the
untreated check were replicated four times, in a randomized complete block design. Treatments
were applied May 24 at 30 psi, 2.63 mph, in 20 gal/ac using 8002 nozzles with three nozzles
spaced 20 inches apart. Plant injury was rated on May 31, June 15 and June 30.
General Considerations
The focus of the evaluations was forb tolerance to the herbicides, not weed control. Therefore,
weeds were removed as needed. In 2006 the trial was irrigated very little using the drip irrigation
system because of ample rainfall.
The effects of herbicides for each species on plant stand and injury were evaluated independently
from the effects on other species. Treatment differences were compared using ANOVA and
protected least significant differences at the 95 percent confidence LSD (0.05) using NCSS
Number Cruncher software.
69
Table 1. Forb species planted at the Malheur Experiment Station and their origins.
Common name
Species
Origin
Sulfur buckwheat
Shoofly Road (ID)
Eriogonum umbellatum
Sand penstemon
Bliss Dam (ID)
Penstemon acuminatus
Hotrock penstemon
Blacks Cr. Rd. (ID)
Penstemon deustus
Royal or sagebrush penstemon
Leslie Gulch (OR)
Penstemon speciosus
Fernleaf biscuitroot
Mann Creek (ID)
Lomatium dissectum
Nineleaf desert parsley
Hwy 395 (OR)
Lomatium triternatum
Gray’s lomatium
Weiser R. Rd. (ID)
Lomatium grayi
Year
2004
2004
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
Results and Discussion:
All observations made on the herbicides tested are strictly preliminary observations. Herbicides
that were observed to be damaging to the forbs as reported here might be helpful if used at a
lower rate or in a different environment. Herbicides that were relatively safe to the forbs in these
trials might be harmful if used at higher rates or in a different environment. Nothing in this report
should be construed as a recommendation.
Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulfur Buckwheat)
Sulfur buckwheat had no statistical differences to the preemergence treatments (Table 2) due to
the considerable cultivation injury. Very few of the plants that survived cultivation injury
survived the preemergence treatment with Outlook or Lorox. Plant stunting was observed in
plants where the soil was treated with Kerb and Outlook. None of the sulfur buckwheat plants
receiving Kerb preemergence survived.
Sulfur buckwheat was subject to foliar burn and chlorosis (yellowing) with several
postemergence herbicides (Table 3). The buckwheat was sensitive to postemergence applications
of Buctril, Goal, Caparol, and Lorox as evidenced by statistically significant foliar damage.
70
Table 2. Tolerance of Eriogonum umbellatum to preemergence herbicides screened at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Plant stand
Treatment
4/26
Rate
lb ai/ac
5/31
----- counts -----
Injury
6/15
5/31
%
6/15
7/5
----------- % -----------
1
Untreated check
--
14.5
14
46
0
0
0
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
25.5
20
65
0
10
10
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
0
0
0
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
23.5
20.5
52.5
0
20
17.5
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
11
10
37.5
0
0
5
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
25
24
80
0
0
0
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
2.5
2.5
2
0
35
22.5
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
1
1
1
0
0
Mean
12.9
11.4
34.8
0
10.8
20
10.8
LSD (0.05)
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
No plants
NS
Table 3. Tolerance of Eriogonum umbellatum to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand
%
lb ai/ac
5/24
--
70
0.125
Injury %
5/31
6/15
6/30
0
0
0
60
36.3
37.5
23.8
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
62.5
67.5
42.5
23.8
52.5
2.5
2.5
16.3
85
6.3
7.5
0
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
55
40
33.8
28.8
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
48.8
0
0
3.8
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
70
33.8
33.8
27.5
Mean
63.0
24.0
20.3
16.0
LSD (0.05)
NS
18.7
12.7
17.4
4
71
Penstemon acuminatus (Sand penstemon)
Plant stands of sand penstemon were reduced by preemergence treatments of Prefar, Kerb, Prowl
and Balan (Table 4). Where Kerb or Prowl was applied preemergence, almost all sand penstemon
plants died during the first growing season. Plant stands were best where Treflan, Outlook, and
Lorox were applied. Scattered areas of stunted plants occurred in several treatments. Foliar
damage was minimal by July 5 where Treflan or Lorox had been applied.
Few negative effects were noted on sand penstemon from most of the herbicides used as
postemergence applications (Table 5). Symptoms of damage were yellowing and leaf burn. Leaf
burn and plant stunting occurred with Caparol, a photosynthetic inhibitor. Less dramatic and
temporary leaf damage was noted following the application of Buctril.
Penstemon deustus (Hotrock penstemon)
Hotrock penstemon plant stands were reduced by all the products tested except Treflan (Table 6).
No hotrock penstemon plants were observed where the soil was treated with Kerb. The most
common damage symptoms were yellowing and stunting.
Hotrock penstemon plant stands were reduced by post emergence applications of Caparol and
Outlook (Table 7). Plants treated with Select and Prowl had no phytotoxic symptoms. Burnt and
yellowing foliage was common with Caparol, Lorox, Buctril, and Goal. Burnt and stunted
symptoms on plants persisted to June 30 following the application of Caparol and Lorox.
Table 4. Tolerance of Penstemon acuminatus to preemergence herbicides screened at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
lb ai/ac
Plant stand
4/26
5/31
----- counts ----21.5
20.5
6/15
%
20.0
5/31
0
Injury
6/15
7/5
----------- % ----------0
0
1
Untreated check
--
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
5
3.5
8.3
31.3
25
0
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.5
0
0
no plants
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
17.8
18.3
43.7
13.3
10
3.3
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
3
0.75
0.75
87.5
95
no plants
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
7.8
7.5
22.5
17.5
10
3.3
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
17.3
15.5
61.7
25
28.8
17.5
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
15.5
12.8
40.0
22.5
15
3.8
Mean
11.0
9.9
23.1
23.1
20.6
5.3
LSD (0.05)
12.0
11.2
43.0
27.5
29.6
NS
72
Table 5. Tolerance of Penstemon acuminatus to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Plant stand
%
Rate
Treatment
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
83.8
0
0
0
0.125
81.3
18.8
5
0
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
77.5
7.5
0
0
46.3
2.5
0
0
77.5
5
5
0
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
71.3
35
55
50
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
65
0
0
0
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
67.5
6.3
7.5
0
71.25
9.375
9.0625
6.25
NS
8.4
6.6
2.1
4
Mean
LSD (0.05)
Table 6. Tolerance of Penstemon deustus to preemergence herbicides screened at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
lb ai/ac
Plant stand
4/26
5/31
----- counts -----
6/15
%
5/31
Injury
6/15
7/5
----------- % ----------
1
Untreated check
--
37.3
25
68.8
0
0
0
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
3
2.5
5.0
0
0
7.5
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
0
0
0
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
27.8
20.3
59.3
0
12.5
0
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
6.3
4.3
15.3
0
23.3
20
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
4.8
4.3
10.8
0
16.3
12.5
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
2
1.5
1.8
0
53
70
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
0.8
0.5
1.0
0
20
10
Mean
10.2
7.3
20.2
0
17.3
13.9
LSD (0.05)
21.2
14.8
30.6
NS
NS
22.5
No plants
73
Table 7. Tolerance of Penstemon deustus to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand %
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
98.8
0
0
0
0.125
82.5
32.5
11.3
10
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
83.8
21.3
13.8
7.5
91.3
0
0
0
95
0
0
0
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
56.3
48.8
55
42.5
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
70
0
0
0
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
86.3
38.8
48.8
42.5
Mean
83.0
17.7
16.1
12.8
LSD (0.05)
24.5
11.2
17.7
19.5
4
Penstemon speciosus (Royal or Sagebrush penstemon)
Royal penstemon plant stands were not affected by Treflan, Balan, or Outlook, among others
(Table 8). Phytotoxic effects of most herbicides were moderate and diminished with time. Prowl
and Balan applied preemergence had significant negative effects, and marked stunting with
Prowl. No royal penstemon survived to 2007 where Kerb was applied preemergence.
None of the postemergence herbicides tested reduced the stands of royal penstemon (Table 9).
Royal penstemon was sensitive to Lorox and extremely sensitive to Caparol. Symptoms of
Caparol damage included yellowing, yellow-purple foliage, and plant death. Where other
products damaged plants, symptoms were yellowing, stunting, and leaf burn.
Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf biscuitroot)
Fernleaf biscuitroot had a very brief growing season, so observations on the effects of
preemergence herbicides were ended on May 31. No significant decreases in plant counts were
noted due to preemergence herbicides (Table 10); however, phytotoxic symptoms on the foliage
were commonly noted. Prefar had significantly more foliar symptoms that the untreated check on
April 17, while Kerb, Outlook, Prowl, and Lorox had significantly more symptoms that the
untreated check on both April 17 and May 31. None of the herbicides applied preemergence
appeared to be totally safe at the rates used in this trial.
Observations of the postemergence herbicides were begun in late May and continued until June
30. The postemergence herbicides had no significant effects on plant stands at the rates tested
(Table 11). In contrast to the negative phytotoxic effects observed with the preemergence
herbicide applications, none of the herbicides applied postemergence had significant phytotoxic
effects on fernleaf biscuitroot at the rates tested.
74
Table 8. Tolerance of Penstemon speciosus to preemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Plant stand, counts
4/26
5/31
----- counts -----
Injury %
5/31
6/15
7/5
----------- counts ----------
Treatment
Rate
lb ai/ac
1
Untreated check
--
22.5
20.3
0
0
0
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
10.3
9
11.7
6.7
0
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
0.3
0
------------ No plants ------------
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
26.3
24.8
20
12.5
8.3
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
8.8
7
73.8
57.5
41.7
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
20
20
30
26.3
8.3
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
19.5
17.3
18.8
7.5
0
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
19.8
16.3
2.5
2.5
0
Mean
15.9
14.3
22.8
16.5
7.6
LSD (0.05)
NS
15.2
32.2
24.4
16.5
Table 9. Tolerance of Penstemon speciosus to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand %
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
71.3
0
0
0
0.125
82.5
7.5
7.5
5
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
83.8
3.8
2.5
2.5
92.5
3.8
0
2.5
92.5
2.5
0
10
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
83.8
45
83.3
81.3
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
76.3
0
0
0
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
73.8
25
28.8
33.8
Mean
82.0
10.9
15.3
16.9
LSD (0.05)
NS
12.1
7.4
9.6
4
75
Table 10. Tolerance of Lomatium dissectum preemergence herbicides
screened at the Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University,
Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
lb ai/ac
Plant Stand,
counts
4/17
4/17
5/31
Rate
Treatment
Injury %
1
Untreated check
--
18.5
0
0
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
19.8
18.8
15
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
13.5
38.8
46.3
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
16
11.3
20
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
16
20
32.5
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
16
13.8
20
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
9.5
35
41.3
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
14.8
15
27.5
Mean
15.5
19.1
25.3
LSD (0.05)
NS
13.9
26.5
Table 11. Tolerance of Lomatium dissectum to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand %
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
96.3
0
0
0
0.125
100
3.8
5
2.5
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
95
12.5
7.5
5
97.5
3.8
7.5
8.8
96.3
5
10
7.5
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
90
0
7.5
7.5
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
100
5
2.5
0
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
100
2.5
2.5
5
Mean
96.9
4.1
5.3
4.5
LSD (0.05)
NS
NS
NS
NS
4
76
Lomatium triternatum (Nineleaf desert parsley)
Plant counts of nineleaf desert parsley were not affected by the preemergence herbicides at the
rates tested (Table 12). Outlook caused significant foliar damage compared to the untreated
check at all four observation dates. Symptoms included leaf burn, stunting, and plant death. Leaf
burn and stunting were also noted for the plants with preemergence Lorox.
None of the postemergence herbicides reduced plant stands as of May 24 (Table 13). Burnt plants
and plant death occurred where Buctril was applied postemergence. Other than the very marked
damage observed with Buctril, none of the other postemergence herbicides had significant
amounts of foliar damage except the observations on June 30 of the plants treated with Prowl.
Lomatium grayi (Gray’s lomatium)
Plant counts of Gray’s lomatium were not affected by the preemergence herbicide treatments
(Table 14). Stunting and plant death were severe where Kerb was applied preemergence. For the
other preemergence treatments, mild stunting was noted, not significantly different from the
untreated check treatment.
Just like the other two Lomatiums, none of the postemergence herbicides reduced plant stands as
of May 24 (Table 15). Like nineleaf desert parsley, Gray’s lomatium showed significantly more
damage following postemergence application of Buctril. Buctril resulted in burnt foliage. Some
significant foliage symptoms followed postemergence applications of Goal, Caparol, and Lorox,
but the symptoms were significantly less than those observed with Buctril.
Table 12. Tolerance of Lomatium triternatum to preemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
lb ai/ac
Plant stand,
counts
Injury %
4/18
4/18
5/31
6/15
7/5
1
Untreated check
--
48.5
0
0
0
5
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
42.5
0
7.5
1.3
0
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
37.5
10
10
5
8.8
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
42.5
7.5
10
6.3
7.5
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
39.8
3.8
5
0
0
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
48.8
6.3
3.8
6.3
0
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
41.3
30
40
35
38.8
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
43.8
10
11.3
11.3
11.3
Mean
43.1
8.4
10.9
8.1
8.9
LSD (0.05)
NS
10.4
14.8
13.7
14.1
77
Table 13. Tolerance of Lomatium triternatum to postemergence herbicides screened at the
Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand %
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
93.8
0
0
0
0.125
96.3
28.3
73
82.5
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
87.5
2.5
2.5
6.3
98.8
0
2.5
3.8
96.3
2.5
5
15
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
98.8
2.5
0
3.8
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
97.5
2.5
0
3.8
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
100
0
0
3.8
Mean
96.1
4.8
10.4
14.8
LSD (0.05)
NS
9.8
9.6
11.7
4
Table 14. Tolerance of Lomatium grayi to preemergence herbicides screened at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
lb ai/ac
Plant stand,
counts
Injury %
4/18
4/18
5/31
6/15
7/5
1
Untreated check
--
30.8
0
0
0
0
2
Prefar 4.0 EC
5.0
28.3
7.5
11.3
11.3
8.8
3
Kerb 50 WP
1.0
29.8
28.8
42.5
38.8
42.5
4
Treflan HFP
0.375
30
7.5
7.5
5
12.5
5
Prowl 3.8 SC
0.75
26.3
2.5
8.8
5
6.3
6
Balan 60 DF
1.2
35.3
6.3
0
0
0
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
30.5
11.3
6.3
5
6.3
8
Lorox 50 DF
1.0
29.8
10
11.3
6.3
8.8
Mean
30.1
9.2
10.9
8.9
10.6
LSD (0.05)
NS
12.7
19.5
20.4
24.7
78
Table 15. Tolerance of Lomatium grayi to postemergence herbicides screened at the Malheur
Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon, 2006.
Treatment
Rate
Plant stand %
Injury %
lb ai/ac
5/24
5/31
6/15
6/30
--
100
0
0
0
0.125
98.8
22.5
37.5
30
0.125
0.094 +
1% v/v
1.0
92.5
10
7.5
5
96.3
5
0
0
96.3
5
2.5
2.5
1
Untreated
2
Buctril 2.0 EC
3
5
Goal 2XC
Select 2.0 EC +
Herbimax
Prowl H2O 3.8 C
6
Caparol FL 4.0
0.8
90
10
7.5
7.5
7
Outlook 6.0 EC
0.656
95
2.5
2.5
3.8
8
Lorox 50 DF
0.5
98.8
8.85
6.3
6.3
Mean
95.9
8.0
8.0
6.95
LSD (0.05)
NS
5.3
7.2
15.1
4
Spring of 2007
By March 30, 2007, it was difficult if not impossible to distinguish any effects of the 2006
postemergence herbicide applications on any of the seven forb species. Preemergence herbicide
effects from 2006 were no longer visible on the Lomatium species. Where preemergence
herbicides hurt or killed most of the sulfur buckwheat or penstemon plants, the negative effects
were permanent. These observations suggest that some degree of phytotoxic damage may be
acceptable in establishing native forb seed fields if effective weed control is achieved.
79
Project Title:
Development of Germination Protocols, Seed Weight,
Purity and Seed Conditioning/Cleaning Protocols for
Great Basin Grasses and Forbs
Project Location:
USDA-FS National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Robert Karrfalt, USDA-FS National Seed Laboratory
5675 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020
478.751.3551, rkarrfalt@fs.fed.us
Victor Vankus, USDA-FS National Seed Laboratory
5675 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020
478.751.3551, vvankus@fs.fed.us
Project Description:
The USDA Forest Service, National Seed Laboratory (NSL) is collaborating with other members
of the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project to develop seed cleaning and
testing protocols for research species. Seed cleaning protocols involve using screens, aspirators,
debearders and other equipment to separate seed from other material collected. Seed testing
work includes determination of AOSA minimum purity weight recommendations and protocols
for germination and purity determinations. The seed testing work is essential for eventual
development of AOSA rules if seeds are going to be marketed. Seed test results are important to
buyers and sellers for product labeling, to growers for plant production and to seed control
officials for enforcement of state and federal seed laws. Seed testing rules for these species will
be necessary as these seeds enter the market.
Project Status:
The NSL has received collections of five species for seed cleaning protocols, Balsamorhiza
hookeri, Chaenactis douglasii, Crepis acuminata, Erigeron pumilis, and Penstemon deustus.
Guidelines and recommendations for cleaning collections of these species have been developed
and will be posted on the NSL website, www.nsl.fs.fed.us/great_basin_native_plants.html, and at
the Native Plant Program website, www.nativeplants.for.uidaho.edu/network.
Species and number of collections received in 2004 from cooperators for seed testing protocols
include: Agoseris glauca 4, Astragalus filipes 30, Crepis acuminata 3, Eriogonum umbellatum
18, Lomatium dissectum 23, L. grayi 10, L. triternatum 7, Penstemon acuminatus 36, P. deustus
35, and P. speciosus 20. In 2005 these additional species and lots were received: Agoseris
glauca 5, Lomatium dissectum 19, L. grayi 4, L. triternatum 4, Balsamorhiza sagittata 1, Crepis
acuminata 2, Astragalus eremiticus 2, Aristida purpurera 1, Eriogonum heracleoides 1, E.
umbellatum 5, Penstemon acuminatus 5, and P. deustus 11.
Seed counts and recommended minimum purity test weights have been developed. Information
is available on the NSL website and will be available at the Association of Official Seed
Analysts (AOSA) website for Species without Seed Testing Procedures,
www.aosaseed.com/reference.htm.
80
The first round of germination trials for all collections was completed in 2004. Seed was tested
with and without prechill, with and without light, and using two sets of temperatures for
germination, 15-25 oC. and 20-30 oC., two temperature regimes common at many seed
laboratories. Results indicate that further trials are needed with varying lengths of prechill and
with lower temperature regimes for germination. The second round of testing indicated that cool
germination temperatures were better, and many seeds germinated in the dark of the chilling
room at 3 oC. A third round of tests used the following temperatures mostly in the dark and with
and without stratification: 5-10, 5-20, 5-30, 15, 15-25, 20, 30 oC. Light was applied at 5-10 oC.
(When two numbers are given for temperature, the first is for 16 hours and the second is for 8
hours. A single number indicates a constant temperature. When light is used it is used for 8
hours and at the higher temperature if alternating.)
Preliminary data is available on Lomatium. Lomatium grayi appears to germinate well without
stratification at 5-10 oC or constant 5 oC. Light does not seem to help or hinder. Even at 15 oC
germination requires stratification. A cold night (16 hours) does not give germination if
temperature is warm during the day as 5-20 oC and 5-30 oC gave no germination. Lomatium
dissectum appears to need about 4 weeks of stratification to germinate at 5 and 10 oC, while L.
triternatum needs an even longer stratification as it did not germinate at the apparent optimum
temperature even with the stratification. Results are summarized in Fig. 1.
Seed weight work continues with each year’s collection to improve the estimates made in the
first year.
As greater quantities of seed become available for a particular species, ring tests can be
conducted between a few AOSA and research laboratories. Rule proposals developed and
submitted to AOSA will be based on this ring test data.
The NSL will continue to work with AOSA to promote the standardization of seed testing
methods for native species. The NSL is a member of the AOSA Native Species Seed Task Force
formed in 2005 and will continue working with this group in 2007, participating in a Native Seed
Workshop at Omaha, NE and at the AOSA annual conference at Indianapolis, IN.
Products
Presentations:
R.P. Karrfalt, V.G. Vankus, and J.R. Barbour. Germination, seed weight, purity, and seed
cleaning protocols for Great Basin native plants. Society for Range Management 60th Annual
Meeting, February 15, 2007.
Technology Transfer:
Attended the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) annual meeting in June 2006.
Discussions at the conference related to GBNPP work with other seed testing laboratories with
continued participation in the Native Species Seed Task Force to address the issue of
standardization of seed testing and reporting procedures at seed testing laboratories which met in
Nebraska in 2006.
81
As they becomes available, data are posted to the internet at:
www.nsl.fs.fed.us/great_basin_native_plants.html and www.nativeplants.for.uidaho.edu/network
Figure 1. Germination data from two lots (6-026, 6-027) of Lomatium grayi seeds. A “c” with
the temperature indicates the seeds were chilled at 3 oC for 4 weeks prior to germination.
Daytime temperatures above 10 oC suppressed germination unless the seed was chilled prior to
germination.
Round 2
Lomatium grayi 6-026
40
20
5
10
15
Night
Temp
Germ %
60
0
30 25c 25 20 15c 15 10
Day Temp
Lomatium grayi 6-027
Round 2
80
60
5
10
15
40
20
0
Germ %
100
30 25c 25 20 15c 15 10
Day Temp
82
Project Title:
Establishment of Native Plants Through Improved
Propagation Techniques and Seedling Disease Control
Project Location:
Brigham Young University and USDA FS Shrub Sciences
Laboratory, Provo, Utah
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Brad Geary, Assistant Professor
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 263 WIDB
Provo, Utah 84602
801.422.2369, Fax: 801.422.0008
brad_geary@byu.edu
Scott Jensen, Botanist
USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory
735 N. 500 E., Provo, UT 84606-1865
801.356.5128, Fax: 801.375.6968
sljensen@fs.fed.us
Project Description:
Increase seed germination by inoculation with Aspergillus and Alternaria fungi. Hard seeded
dormancy of Astragalus utahensis prevents germination under optimal moisture conditions even
after scarification with 98% H2SO4. Seeds inoculated with Aspergillus spp. (Asp) and Alternaria
spp. (Alt) germinate rapidly (83% and 28%) over H2O (6%). Physical manipulation by the fungi
show elevated response in seed coat removal. Pin pricking responses are similar to soaking the
seeds in broth where the fungi have been grown but are removed. Future research in consortium
tests (use of 4 filtrates in combination with mechanical scarification) will likely show strong
correlation to the direct inoculation tests. Grass species were also inoculated with Aspergillus
and Alternaria. Trials are just beginning to determine efficacy of the fungi on other plant seed.
Native plant seedling disease control. Many of the seedlings from Astragalus utahensis die
shortly after emergence. Isolation and fungicide/bactericide tests were conducted to determine if
the seedling mortality is due to biotic stresses or abiotic stresses.
Improved propagation techniques to increase seedling survivability. High frequencies of
seedling mortality occur after the first two true leaves appear on Lupinus species. Studies
indicated that the cause of death is not due to biotic organisms like fungi or bacteria, but are due
to physiological issues within the plant. Seedling fertility may be an abiotic stress that is
influencing mortality, therefore seedlings will be fertilized with liquid fertilizers to determine if
seedling survival can be increased.
83
Project Status:
Increase seed germination by inoculation with Aspergillus and Alternaria fungi.
Germination of Astragalus utahensis increased significantly (P < 0.05) when seeds were
inoculated with Aspergillus and Alternaria (Fig. 1). Alternaria inoculated seeds had
significantly more germination at 11 days than the Aspergillus treated seeds, and the Aspergillus
treatment was significantly better than the water control. Identical inoculation studies were
conducted again but the seeds were planted in potting soil and grown in a growth chamber and in
a greenhouse. In both growing areas, the seeds inoculated with Aspergillus and Alternaria had
significantly (P < 0.05) higher germination than did the water control (Figs. 2 and 3).
Aspergillus treated seeds tended to have higher germination, but it was not significantly different
from that of the Alternaria treated seeds.
Figure 1. Germination response in-vitro of Astragalus utahensis seeds inoculated with
Aspergillus or Alternaria.
'Fixed Spore Count' Direct Inoculation: Tests 1-3
100%
90%
80%
% germination
70%
60%
A**
ASP
ALT
50%
H20
40%
30%
B*
20%
10%
C*
0%
1
ASP
0
ALT
0
2
3
0.0083 0.0125
0
0.025
4
0.025
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
0.0417 0.0708 0.1125 0.1292 0.1583 0.1792 0.1958
0.0958 0.1333 0.2208 0.2958
0.4
0.4542 0.4875 0.5167
H20 0.0042 0.0083 0.0125 0.0208 0.0333 0.0333 0.0375 0.0417 0.0417 0.0417 0.0417
Time (days)
84
Figure 2. Germination response of Astragalus utahensis seeds inoculated with Aspergillus or
Alternaria in soil in a growth chamber.
Growth Chamber #2 Day 30
16
14
14
A
Mean Emergence
12
10.75
10
A
Asp
8
Alt
5.25 *
6
Cntrl
B
4
2
0
Figure 3. Germination response of Astragalus utahensis seeds inoculated with Aspergillus or
Alternaria in soil in a greenhouse.
Greenhouse 1-3 Day 30
16
14
Mean Emergence
12
10
8.7
Asp
8.2
8
Alt
Cntrl
6
4
2.8**
2
0
85
Studies looking at Aspergillus and Alternaria influence on grass seed germination are also being
conducted. From preliminary data collected thus far from in-vitro studies it appears that
Aspergillus and Alternaria increase germination over water controls. Data are not presented here
because the study is on-going.
Native plants seedling disease control.
Lupinus seeds were planted in potting soil and then removed from the soil on timed intervals of
3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 days. Seeds were then surface sterilized in a 10% bleach solution, cut in half
and placed on potato dextrose agar. Many different fungi and bacteria grew from the seeds. One
fungus that was of interest that could cause seedling damping off was Fusarium. A number of
bacteria genera were identified. Most were of the genus Agrobacterium, 15 isolates were
Erwinia, 5 were Pseudomonus, and 4 were Xanthamonas. A number of the bacteria could be
pathogenic, however, when isolations were made from dying seedlings most did not have any
fungi or bacteria grow out on the potato dextrose agar. The dying seedlings were also stained
with lanolin blue to identify any fungi, but no fungal infections could be identified.
To further test if the seedlings were dying due to fungi or bacteria, four different species of
Lupinus (LUSE, LUAR, LUPO, LUCA) seeds were treated with various fungicides and
bacteriacides. None of the seed treatments were significantly (P < 0.05) better that the untreated
control seeds (Table 1). Two treatments (PCNB and Mancozeb) had significantly lower
germination, most likely due to a phytotoxic effect on the seedlings from the chemicals. A
number of fungicides and bacteriacides were used to minimize phytotoxic effects from the
chemicals and to target specific fungi or bacteria since all chemicals do work equally well on
different microorganisms.
Table 1. Germination percentages for Lupinus seeds (data combined for all four
species) treated with different fungicides and bacteriacides.
Seed treatments
Arpon
Maxim
Dynasty
Streptomyacin
Control
Captan
PCNB
Mancozeb
Germination percentage
60.3
59.1
56.6
55.9
53.5
32.3
28.7
27.7
Significance
A
A
A
A
AB
BC
C
C
Observations of many seedlings that were dying once the cotyledons were out showed that roots
were not forming. The shoot from which the cotyledons were produced was the only portion of
the plant emerging from the seed. This observation strongly suggested that seedling death was
due to a physiological condition within the plant/seed, or the scarification methods used to break
dormancy were causing detrimental effects on the seedling. The lack of fungi identified within
dying plants, the number of fungi and bacteria (with no predominating organism) isolated from
the seeds, and no beneficial influence from the fungicides or bacteriacides suggest that seed
mortality is due to an abiotic stress upon the plant.
86
Seeds that do produce roots are still dying but it may be from a lack of nutrients. Therefore, this
study is continuing by germinating seedlings in nutrient poor media and then applying liquid
nutrients to determine if seedling survival can be increased.
Improved propagation techniques to increase seedling survivability.
Fertility studies, as mentioned above, are on going to determine if seedling survivability can be
improved. Along with the fertility is the use of Rhizobium inoculations made to the seeds to
determine if the symbiotic relationship between the seedling and the bacteria stimulate Lupinus
growth and survival. Commercial inoculates of Rhizobium are being used as well as Rhizobium
taken from wild plants, which was collected and cultured. All types will be added to seeds to
determine if the Rhizobium can increase survival and growth.
Technology Transfer:
Oral presentations with abstracts:
Eldredge, S., B. Geary, J. Gardner, and S. Jensen. 2006. Viability of an accelerated germination
response of fungal inoculated Astragalus utahensis seed in soil. 51st Annual Meeting of the
Agronomy – Soil – Crop Science Society of America, Nov. 12-16, Indianapolis, IN.
Eldredge, S., B. Geary, S. Jensen and J. Gardner. 2006. Mechanisms of accelerated germination
of Astragalus utahensis with Aspergillus and Alternaria fungi. American Phytopathological
Society, July 29-Aug. 2, Quebec, Canada. Phytopathology 96: S32.
Poster presentation with abstract:
Eldredge, S., B. Geary, S. Jensen, and J. Gardner. 2005. Increased germination of Astragalus
utahensis with the fungi Alternaria and Aspergillus. 69th Annual Meeting Crop Science Society
of America. Nov. 6-10, Salt Lake City, Utah.
87
Project Title:
Pollinator and Seed Predator Studies
Project Location:
USDA ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, Logan, Utah
Principal Investigator and Contact Information:
James H. Cane, Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5310
435.797.3879, Fax: 435.797.0461
jcane@biology.usu.edu
Project Description:
Native bees and/or honey bees are proving to be beneficial or necessary to pollinate nearly all of
the wildflower species considered for Great Basin rehabilitation. The pollinator faunas of many
of these candidate plant genera include one or more bee genera with potentially manageable
species, especially species of Osmia. A minority of species attracts and is pollinated by honey
bees or managed alfalfa leaf-cutting bees.
Pollinator needs are being evaluated by comparing fruit and seed sets at caged flowers, openly
visited flowers, and manually pollinated flowers. If plant reproduction proves to be pollinator
limited, then native bee faunas are surveyed and evaluated at managed and wild flowering
populations. If bees are sufficiently abundant, then single-visit pollination efficiencies at
previously caged flowers can directly evidence each bee species’ contribution to seed
production.
Concurrently, drilled wooden nesting blocks are placed in these habitats to acquire captive
populations of one or more promising cavity-nesting pollinators. Currently managed bee species
(alfalfa leaf-cutting bees, blue orchard bees, alkali bees, honey bees) are being evaluated for their
pollination prowess with each of the target plant species as well, using our common gardens or
managed stands maintained by BLM and USFS collaborators on this proposal. Practical
management protocols and materials will be developed to sustainably manage pollinators onfarm.
In addition, any prevalent floral herbivores and seed predators are being collected, reared and
identified, as they subtract from the potential seed production initiated by pollinators. Lastly,
pollination information is being disseminated to collaborators and growers, and if need be,
populations of native cavity-nesting pollinators acquired, increased and distributed to growers
with guidance for the bees’ management.
Project Status:
Additional systematic censuses of bees (as individuals per 100 flowering plants) were sampled at
Lomatium dissectum, Balsamorhiza sagittata, Astragalus filipes and Lupinus argenteus in states
not before sampled, with new bee surveys started for two globemallows (Sphaeralcea). In
addition, an efficient unbiased large-scale method was developed and tested for future use in
88
characterizing the response of bee communities to ecological perturbations (esp. fire, cheatgrass
invasion). Basically, it allows pairwise comparison of passively sampled bee communities and
net-collected floral guilds within and beyond the perturbed area, with a quick estimate of density
of sagebrush and the target forb species.
We prepared raised, irrigated seed beds for this coming year’s experimental plantings of
Sphaeralcea and Lomatium. We also transplanted greenhouse seedlings of Lomatium triternatum
and L. grayi, and transplanted 100 more taproots of Lomatium dissectum. Deer have been
excluded with an 8’ perimeter fence that we built.
Pollinators, particularly bees, will be needed for seed production at most of the native forbs
chosen for this project from the Great Basin flora. In 2006 we focused our studies of breeding
biologies on established plants of 3-yr-old Dalea ornata and 2-yr-old D. searlsiae growing in our
20' x 20' common garden plots. Deer depredation cost us our Lomatium dissectum pollination
experiments.
89
For both Dalea ornata and D. searlsiae, autopollination on caged racemes yielded dismal seed
production (3-4% of available flowers set a seed, and 80-97% of those seeds were small and of
questionable viability). Hence, pollinators are essential to seed production by these two prairieclovers. Manual self-pollination of Dalea ornata yielded no more seed than autopollination, but
manual outcrossing yielded a 50% seed set, 1/3 of the seeds being large. At D. searlsiae, selfpollination gave 14% seed set and outcrossing only 20% seed set. Because all plants were within
a cage, we could not compare with free pollination by bees. For 2007 experiments, we have built
individual cages to repeat pollination treatments on D. searlsiae, and evaluate both species for
their attractiveness to bees and bees’ resultant pollination service. At D. purpurea, bees
outperformed us, doubling the percentage of seeded pods and large seeds per pod, so we expect
similarly good pollination by bees with these two Great Basin prairie-clovers. We are also
expecting that the plants, being a year older, will be more robust.
In general, it appears that bees are the essential pollinators for the selected wildflower species.
Studies of the pollination needs of Hedysarum boreale Nutt. have recently been completed by
graduate student Katharine Swoboda. They are illustrative and detailed here. Her manual
pollinations showed that H. boreale is self-compatible; however, H. boreale did not produce
fruits or seeds in the absence of bee visitors because the flowers are mechanically incapable of
autopollination. Manual selfing yielded more seedless pods and more small seeds than
outcrossing. Conversely, bee pollination of H. boreale flowers yielded abundant large, viable
seed, the quantities being intermediate between that of selfing via geitonogamy and out-crossing
(xenogamy). Hence, bee pollination apparently yields a mix of selfing and outcrossing.
Cultivated H. boreale flowers abundantly, producing four million new flowers daily per acre.
Flowers produce abundant pollen (50,000 grains per flower) and nectar (1-2 liters per acre of
nectar with 60% sugar content). Diverse bee species in the families Apidae and Megachilidae
were found in surveys at H. boreale flowers. Female bees often collect both nectar and pollen
from H. boreale for provisioning their progeny. In general, Osmia species are an important
component of H. boreale pollinator faunas. Three solitary, cavity-nesting candidate Osmia
species were chosen and evaluated for their management potential as H. boreale pollinators. All
three reproduced and could increase with H. boreale as their only pollen and nectar source.
Nesting success by O. lignaria Say was limited, however, by the mismatch of the bee’s early
natural emergence date and the later bloom of Hedysarum. Later flying O. lignaria from colder
climates could be used to pollinate H. boreale flowering earlier in warmer climes. Nesting results
from the other two Osmia species, O. bruneri Cockerell and O. sanrafaelae Parker, were more
encouraging. In cages, both species provisioned enough daughters to increase in subsequent
years. Comparable increases were obtained with O. sanrafaelae that we flew in a 2-acre
production field of H. boreale managed by Rick Dunne near Lander, WY. Their nesting habits
are known from earlier publications. Both species proved to be effective and consistent
pollinators of H. boreale flowers, their foraging behaviors compensating for a seeming sizemismatch with the flowers. Experimental estimates of seed yield per forager were compromised
by an outbreak of rust on the sweetvetch grown in the pollination cages. Honeybees were
mediocre pollinators of H. boreale compared to other species, but they could serve in some
agricultural settings to pollinate H. boreale. Populations of the two promising Osmia are
currently being increased for commercial pollination of H. boreale.
90
Systematic samples of bee faunas continue, targeting six floral hosts sampled at 40 locations in
the heart of the Great Basin and adjacent Snake River Plains. We focused on extending field
sampling of bee faunas at A. filipes this year, systematically sampling at sites all across Nevada,
southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Species of the bee genus Osmia were numerous and diverse
at flowers of A. filipes and Balsamorhiza, whereas bees were always exceptionally sparse at
Lupinus argenteus. Once again, only ground-nesting Andrena bees were found at Lomatium (L.
dissectum, L. triternatum), that generalization now extending from western WY to southcentral
ID to northern Utah and northern and central Nevada.
Managed populations of several pollinator species are increasing, primarily at our trial gardens in
Logan. We are able to increase populations of the native bees O. bruneri, O. lignaria, O.
sanrafaelae, and Hoplitis albifrons, even when restricted to foraging at flowers of our target forb
species.
The Hoplitis was a surprise, for although they abundantly visit and pollinate H. boreale, general
experience with this genus is that emerging adults disperse rather than nest in provided nesting
substrates. In large field cages, all three species of Hoplitis bees that we evaluated as manageable
pollinators for H. boreale happily foraged at sweetvetch, provisioning nest cells with its pollen
and producing progeny. Preliminary single-visit pollination experiments reveal that they are
good pollinators. Emerging females of two of the species were prone to disperse away from
provided nesting materials, but Hoplitis albifrons remained and increased in our wooden nesting
blocks. We will progress with its pollination evaluation and population increase.
Native herbivorous insects have the potential to become pests of seed production on each of the
wildflower species studied to date. Seed weevils and their kin have been found attacking
maturing seeds of four of the forb genera studied to date. This year I found weevils attacking
maturing pods of globemallows. Our primary focus will be on establishing life histories for these
and other herbivorous species that attack buds, flowers and seeds (adults are needed for ID). We
will continue to evaluate their abilities to travel and reproductively cycle in dried seed, which so
far has not been a problem for the species that we have found. As needed, I will help Bob
Hammon at Colorado State University to develop practical, safe and effective means of avoiding,
excluding or treating each of these insects for future use when these wildflowers are grown in
row crop agriculture.
Products:
A practical, affordable nesting shelter for managing cavity-nesting bees for pollination on farm
has been developed and successfully field trialed in 3 states with 4 species of cavity-nesting bees.
The shelter is adapted from laminate tubs manufactured for the US Postal Service. The metal
support bracket, which quickly bolts to a T-post, was developed with a manufacturer of grape
arbor equipment, Quiedan, Inc. They now manufacture the brackets on demand. One complete
unit costs less than $25.
Four Osmia bee species and one Hoplitis species that effectively pollinate are being increased at
the Logan labs for eventual distribution to seed growers. With our guidance, one of these, O.
91
sanrafaelae, is also being successfully increased at Wind River Farm for pollination of
sweetvetch.
Publications:
Cane, J.H. 2006. An evaluation of pollination mechanisms for purple prairie-clover, Dalea
purpurea (Fabaceae: Amorpheae). Amer. Midl. Natur. 156: 193-197.
Cane, J.H. 2006. The Logan Beemail shelter: a practical, portable unit for managing cavitynesting agricultural pollinators. American Bee Journal. 146(7): 611-613.
Cane, J.H. 2007. Pollinating bees crucial to farming wildflower seed for U.S. habitat
restoration. in Bee Pollination in Agricultural Ecosystems (eds. R.R. James and T. Pitts-Singer).
Univ. Chicago Press. (accepted December 2006). 26 ms pages + 3 figures.
Cane, J.H., T.G. Griswold and F.D. Parker. Substrates and materials used for nesting by North
American Osmia bees. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. (in print). 24 ms pages + 1 plate + 3 page
table.
K.A. Swoboda. 2006. The pollination ecology of Hedysarum boreale and evaluation of its
pollinating bees for restoration seed production. Thesis, Utah State University.
Technology Transfer:
Invited symposium presentation entitled: “Bees and the seeds that their pollination breeds”.
Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, Idaho, 2006.
Invited seminar entitled: “Pollinating and growing desert wildflowers for seed for ecological
restoration”. Plant Ecology Institute, University of Uppsala, Sweden, 2006.
Invited restoration symposium presentation entitled: “Pollinating Great Basin forbs for seed to
rehabilitate western rangelands”. Society for Rangeland Management, Reno, Nevada, scheduled
for February 2007.
Research was highlighted by Kevin Hacket, USDA ARS National Program Leader, at the
October 2006 meeting of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign in Washington,
DC.
92
Project Title:
Insect Pests of Selected Grass and Forb Species in the
Great Basin
Project Location:
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area,
Grand Junction, CO
Principal Investigator and Contact Information:
Robert Hammon, Extension Agent
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area
P.O. Box 20,000-5028, Grand Junction CO 81502-5028
970.244.1834, Fax: 970.244.1700
bob.hammon@mesacounty.us
Project Description:
Many insects affect seed production of native plants. These include specialist insects that feed on
the plants in their native habitat and generalist crop pests that move into monocultures planted as
seed increase plots. We need to know as much as possible about insect life histories before
management techniques can be developed. This project is designed to learn the natural history of
insects that affect field-collected and field-grown seed associated with the Great Basin Native
Plant Selection and Increase Project. Fields and collection sites were surveyed for insect pests,
and when problems were found, specimens were forwarded to the Grand Junction, Colorado
Extension office for identification. In addition, seed increase fields of project species located in
southwestern Colorado were monitored for pests.
Samples submitted for diagnosis were photographed and placed into a secure collection for
future reference and educational programming. Species that needed further taxonomic work
were forwarded to specialists for identification. Specimens are currently stored at the Tri-River
Cooperative Extension Office in Grand Junction, CO, the USDA-ARS Bee Biology and
Systematics Lab in Logan, UT, or with the taxonomist responsible for identification of the
particular taxa.
Project Status:
A summary of insect pests collected from wildland sites
and field plantings associated with the project is
provided in Table 1. Two previously unknown insects
were added to the list in 2005, with two more added in
2006. A previously undescribed species of
Acanthosceliedes was discovered feeding on
Hedysarum boreale in Utah, and an unidentified
tephritid fly was discovered feeding on Lupinus
argenteus in Colorado in 2005. An undescribed pyralid
moth was discovered attacking Lupinus sericeus seeds
near Hotchkiss, Colorado, and an Aphis sp. aphid was
discovered attacking the foliage of Dalea purpurea near
Figure 1. The larvae of this small
undescribed moth were found destroying
seed of Lupinus sericeus at Hotchkiss, CO.
93
Logan, Utah in 2006. In addition, samples taken from small seed increases in southern Idaho
and southern Colorado have shown that Lygus bugs are a significant seed production pest on
many species of forbs, especially Penstemon and Hedysarum. A management strategy for these
generalist feeders will have to be developed for each seed increase site.
Seed increase fields of Hedysarum boreale, Linum lewisii, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Bromus
marginatus, Hesperostipa comata, Elymus elymoides, Leymus cinereus, and Poa secunda were
established during 2005 and 2006 at the Western Colorado Research Center at Rogers Mesa,
near Hotchkiss, Colorado (Delta County) as part of the Uncompahgre Plateau Project. These
fields will be utilized in the future for pest management research, which will be utilized by seed
growers, associated with both projects.
Table 1. Insect and disease pests identified from Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project.
Plant species
Pest
Order: Family
Attacks:
Astragalus filipes
Acanthoscelides sp
Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Astragalus filipes
Acanthoscelides pullus
Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Astragalus filipes
Acanthoscelides fraterculus Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Astragalus filipes
Acanthoscelides aureolus Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Astragalus filipes
Tychius tectus leConte
Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds
Cane 2004
Astragalus filipes
Tychius semisquamosus
Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds
Cane 2004
Balsamorhiza sagittata Trupanea jonesi
Diptera: Tephritidae
Head/seed
Hammon 2004
Balsamorhiza sagittata recepticle feeding fly
Diptera: Ceciomyiidae
Receptacle
Hammon 2004
Crepis acuminata
Rust
Whole plant Hammon & Shaw
2004
Crepis acuminata
Seed feeding fly
Diptera:Tephritidae
Head/seed
Hammon & Shaw
2004
Acanthoscelides oregonensis Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Dalea ornata
Cane & Johnson 2004
Dalea ornata
Acanthoscelides daleae
Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Dalea ornata
Apion spp
Coleoptera: Brentidae
Seeds
Cane 2004
Dalea ornata
Lycaeides melissa
Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae
Flowers
Cane 2004
Dalea ornata
Acanthosceliedes sp.
Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane & Johnson 2004
Eriogonum umbellatum Seed feeding caterpillar
Lepidoptera
Seeds
DeBolt 2004
Hedysarum boreale
Acanthoscelides fraterculus Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Hammon, Johnson
1991
Hedysarum boreale
Acanthoscelides sp.
Coleoptera: Bruchidae
Seeds
Cane 2006
Hedysarum boreale
Lycaeides melissa
Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae
Flowers
Hammon 2006
Hedysarum boreale
Filatima xanthuris
Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae
Foliage
Cane & Lee
Lomatium dissectum
Smicronyx sp.
Coleoptera: Curculionidae Seeds
Cane 2004
Lomatium dissectum
Depressaria multifidae
Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae Flowers
Cane 2004
Lomatium dissectum
Aphis heraclella
Homoptera: Aphididae
Heads
Cane 2004
Lupinus argenteus
Diptera:Tephritidae
Seeds
Hammon 2006
Lupinus sericeus
Pima sp.
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Seeds
Hammon 2006
Penstemon sp.
Kushelinea barbarae
Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae Foliage
Hammon & DeBolt
2004
Penstemon sp.
Hesperobaris ovulum ??
Coleoptera: Curculionidae Stems/crown Hammon & O'Brien
Penstemon sp.
Penstemona sp.
Lepidoptera: Sessidae
Seems/crown Hammon & Cane
Leymus cinereus
Seed fly
Diptera: Ottididae
Seeds
Hammon & Young
Leymus cinereus
Crambus sp.
Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Seeds
Hammon 2004
94
Project Title:
Diversification of Crested Wheatgrass Stands
Project Location:
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Bruce A. Roundy
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.8137, Fax: 801.422.0090
bruce_roundy@byu.edu
Val Anderson
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.3527, Fax: 801.422.0090
val_anderson@byu.edu
Brad Jessop
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.3177, Fax: 801.422.0090
bdjessop@hotmail.com
April Hulet, Graduate Student
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
huletapril@hotmail.com
Jennifer Coleman, Graduate Student
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
Brigham Young University, 275 WIDB
Provo, UT 84602
mossytree@byu.edu
Reporting for work funded, in part, by both the USDI Bureau of Land Management Great Basin
Native Plant Selection and Increase Project and undergraduate mentoring funds, Brigham Young
University.
95
Project Description:
This work is designed to determine effective ways to control crested wheatgrass and establish
native species while minimizing weed invasion. We will report on progress for 2006 and state
directions for 2007.
Crested wheatgrass diversification:
Two sites in Tooele Co., Utah were selected for large-scale manipulation of crested wheatgrass
stands. The Skull Valley site, which borders the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, is at an
elevation of 1524 m, receives 200-254 mm of precipitation annually and has Medburn fine sandy
loam soils. The Lookout Pass site is approximately 45 miles southeast of the Skull Valley site
and located on the eastern side of the Onaqui Mountains. It is slightly higher in elevation (1676
m) and precipitation (254-305 mm) than the Skull Valley site and has Taylor’s flat loamy soil.
Both sites were seeded to crested wheatgrass monocultures more than 10 years ago following
wildfires. Prior to treatment, the crested wheatgrass stand at Skull Valley was not as vigorous as
the Lookout Pass site and had an abundance of cheatgrass.
The study is replicated in both time (year 1 = 2005; year 2 = 2006) and space and is set up as a
randomized block split plot design with 5 blocks. Within each block, 1-acre (0.4-ha) main plots
were either left undisturbed or received a mechanical (1-way or 2-way disking) or herbicide
treatment (16 oz/ac. or 44 oz/ac. [1.1 L/ha or 3.2 L/ha] Roundup Original Max) to reduce (partial
control) or eliminate (full control) crested wheatgrass. Following wheatgrass control, main plots
were divided into 0.5-ac (0.2-ha) subplots that were either seeded or unseeded. In both 2005 and
2006, herbicide treatments were applied in late May while mechanical treatments were applied in
early June. Plots were seeded with a Truax Rough Rider rangeland drill in October 2005 and
2006. The drill was specially configured to drill or broadcast seed in alternating rows with the
goal of drilled species being planted no deeper than 1.3 cm. Brillion packer wheels placed
immediately after the drop tubes pressed broadcast species into the soil. With the exception of
‘Appar’ flax, all species used in the seed mix are native and where possible collected or grown in
proximity to the study sites. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources supplied all seed for the
study except for Eagle western yarrow.
Table 1. Crested wheatgrass diversification study seed mix.
Drill Mix
SPECIES
Bluebunch wheatgrass – Anatone
Squirreltail - SID Sanpete
Indian ricegrass - 'Nezpar'
Fourwing saltbush
Lewis flax - 'Appar'
Munro globemallow
Total
PLS
lbs/acre
3.00
2.00
2.00
1.00
0.75
0.50
9.25
Bulk
lbs/acre
3.16
2.82
2.13
3.48
0.83
0.84
13.26
96
Broadcast Mix
SPECIES
Sandberg bluegrass - SID OR
White-stemmed rabbitbrush
Wyoming big sagebrush
Western yarrow – Eagle
Total
PLS
lbs/acre
0.75
0.25
0.20
0.20
1.40
Bulk
lbs/acre
0.95
0.75
0.94
0.24
2.88
Data Collection Methods:
In each subplot, five transects were established and six quadrats were placed along each transect
for a total of 30 samples per subplot or 1500 samples per site. Both transects and quadrats were
placed in a stratified random manner by selecting a random starting point and then placing both
the transects and quadrats at consistent intervals. At Lookout Pass, transects were spaced every
12 meters beginning at meter 13 and quadrats were spaced every 3 meters along the transect
beginning at meter 8. At Skull Valley, transects were spaced every 8 meters beginning at meter
7.5 while quadrats were spaced every 3 meters along the transect beginning at the 6 meter mark.
In 2007, data will be collected from both year 1 and year 2 plots for a total of 3000 quadrats per
site.
Data were collected in June 2006 using 0.25m2 quadrats. Within each 0.25m2 quadrat, density
was determined for all species including those that were seeded. Percent cover for crested
wheatgrass, cheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and all other perennial species was estimated
ocularly using modified Daubenmire cover classes. Nested frequency was used for cheatgrass,
annual weeds, and crested wheatgrass seedlings. The number of mature crested wheatgrass
seedheads and average length per frame was also measured.
We collected soil in June 2006 to determine the potential seedbank for our study sties. Within
each block we took ten, 1-in3 soil samples in each treatment, grew the samples in a greenhouse
and counted the number of seedlings that emerged. This will be repeated in June 2007.
Data Analysis:
Data relating to crested wheatgrass control were analyzed separately from data relating to
revegetation success. Crested wheatgrass control variables included: mature crested wheatgrass
(density, cover, number of seed heads, average length in centimeters of seed heads, and the
number of seed heads X length of average seed heads); crested wheatgrass seedling (density and
frequency); mature Sandberg bluegrass (density and cover); residual perennial grasses, not
including Sandberg bluegrass (density and cover); cheatgrass (density, frequency, and cover);
and annual weeds, including cheatgrass (density and frequency). Mature Sandberg bluegrass
was analyzed as a separate variable within the crested wheatgrass control analysis due to the
quantity found at the sites. Revegetation success variables were based on density of seeded
species which included: drill seeded grasses, broadcast seeded Sandberg bluegrass, drill seeded
grasses plus broadcast seeded Sandberg bluegrass, total forbs, total seeded grasses plus total
forbs, total shrubs, and total seeded species.
97
We used Proc Mixed in SAS (SAS Institute 1996) to determine significant treatment effects and
interactions. The analysis factors were site (Lookout Pass vs. Skull Valley), block (1-5),
treatments (undisturbed, partial control mechanical, full control mechanical, partial control
herbicide, full control herbicide), and seeding (seeded vs. unseeded), with site considered fixed
and both block and treatment considered random affects. Data were arcsin transformed to
normalize the data. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05.
Project Status:
Results
Crested wheatgrass control. Mechanical treatments were more effective than herbicide
in reducing mature crested wheatgrass cover (Fig. 1A). Compared to control plots, two-way
disking (full control mechanical) decreased wheatgrass cover by 66.5% while one-way disking
(partial control mechanical) decreased wheatgrass cover by 49.1% (P < 0.05). Compared to the
control plots, full control herbicide (3.2 L/ha) reduced mature crested wheatgrass cover by 43.3%
while the partial control herbicide (1.1 L/ha) reduced mature crested wheatgrass cover by only
3.7%. Differences between the full vs. partial control herbicide treatments on mature crested
wheatgrass cover were significant (P < 0.05; Fig. 1A).
The treatments were not significantly different (P>0.05) in reducing mature crested
wheatgrass density at the Lookout Pass site. However, at the Skull Valley site, full control
mechanical reduced mature crested wheatgrass density by 57% compared to its density on
undisturbed plots (P < 0.05; Fig. 1B). Herbicide treatments did not reduce mature wheatgrass
density at either site.
Crested wheatgrass seedling density was similar in all treatment plots at the Skull Valley
site (P > 0.05; Fig. 1C). At the Lookout Pass site, partial control herbicide reduced seedling
density 7.5% compared to its density on undisturbed plots. The full control herbicide increased
seedling density 32.6% compared to seedling density on the undisturbed plots.
Weed invasion. Skull Valley had an abundance of cheatgrass when the study began.
Following treatment, cheatgrass comprised 92% of the total weed composition at Skull Valley
and only 11% at Lookout Pass. There appeared to by a trend of greater weed invasion at both
sites in the mechanical treatments where disturbance was high (Fig. 1D). Areas treated with
herbicide had lower densities of annual weeds relative to mechanically treated plots; however,
these differences were only significant between partial control herbicide treatments compared to
the partial or full mechanical treatments at Skull Valley.
Revegetation success. None of the crested wheatgrass control treatments affected seeded
species emergence (Fig. 1E). There was greater emergence of seeded species at Lookout Pass
compared to Skull Valley. This is likely due to higher precipitation at Lookout Pass. At both
sites, seeded grasses had greater emergence than either forbs or shrubs (Fig.1F). Species
encountered most frequently were drill-seeded grasses. Of the species that were broadcast,
Sandberg bluegrass and Lewis flax were most common. Shrubs were encountered rarely during
data collection in June but seedlings of Wyoming big sagebrush and western yarrow were noted
in the plots in October.
Timeline
Data will be collected in June of 2007 on year 1 and year 2 blocks. Data collected will be as
described for 2006.
98
Technology Transfer:
Hulet, A., B.A. Roundy, B. Jessop, J. Coleman. 2007. Diversification of crested wheatgrass
stands in Utah. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, 10-15 February, Reno/Sparks,
NV.
Management Applications:
This research will help land managers to identify and implement effective ways to control
crested wheatgrass and establish native species while minimizing weed invasion. Managers will
also be provided with germination and survival rates of native species used in this study which
will help in developing successful seed mixes.
99
100
Time Period: Calendar year 2006
Project Title:
Wet Thermal Time Modeling of Seedling Establishment
Project Location:
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Bruce A. Roundy
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
275 WIDB Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.8137, Fax: 801.422.0090
bruce_roundy@byu.edu
Val Anderson
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
275 WIDB Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
801.422-3527, Fax: 801.422.0090
val_anderson@byu.edu
Brad Jessop
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
275 WIDB Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.3177, Fax: 801.422.0090
bdjessop@hotmail.com
Jennifer Coleman
Department of Plant and Animal Sciences
275 WIDB Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
801.422.8646, Fax: 801.422.0090
mossytree@byu.edu
Reporting for work funded, in part, by both the USDI Bureau of Land Management Great Basin
Native Plant Selection and Increase Project and undergraduate mentoring funds, Brigham Young
University.
Project Description:
Seedling emergence can be broken down into four temperature influenced stages: 1) dormancy
loss, 2) germination, 3) pre-emergence growth, 4) emergence (Vleeshouwers and Kropff 2000).
Much research has been done on dormancy loss of range species and is not included in this study
(Allen et al. 2007). Temperature and presence of moisture are the most important environmental
conditions causing germination, pre-emergence growth and emergence. Germination, preemergence growth and emergence models using thermal accumulation have been successfully
101
developed for many weed and crop species (Vleeshouwers and Kropff, 2000; Grundy 2003;
Forcella 2000). Thermal accumulation is based on the assumption that the plant or seed requires
a certain amount of time (measured in degree days) above a base temperature and below a
maximum temperature where enzymatic activity ceases in order to reach a certain life stage
(Trudgill et al. 2005). Models that have assumed that the seed progresses towards germination
and emergence only when water is available have been more accurate in predicting emergence
than strictly thermal models (Forcella et al. 2000).
Models based on temperature and a soil moisture threshold will be used to predict the
germination rate, pre-emergence growth and survivability of 11 different species or cultivars
commonly used for fire rehabilitation seeding, in addition to 3 collections of the invasive weed,
Bromus tectorum. Each wet thermal accumulation model was based on germination rates
determined through constant temperature germination trials. These germination rates were used
to predict species germination with three fluctuating-temperature regimes based on spring soil
temperatures in sagebrush-dominated communities of Tintic Valley, Utah. In addition, seedbags
of 6 of the 14 species/cultivars (Table 1) were buried in a randomized block design at two sites in
central Utah (Fig.1). Seedbag germination was compared to model predicted germination using
hourly seedbed temperatures and water potentials measured on site. Small plots at the field sites
were also seeded with these species (Table 1). Predicted and actual germination were compared
to emergence and survival data in the small plots.
Project Status:
Germination
Model Development:
Percent and rate of germination are the main factors in determining percent and rate of
emergence in non-dormant seeds (Forcella 2000; Vleeshouwers and Kropff 2000). In order to
determine the field germination rate, we first determined the relationship between germination
and temperature for each species by conducting germination trials at seven constant temperatures
(5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C) in incubation chambers. We created thermal accumulation
models of 14 species/cultivars: Linum perenne, Linum lewisii, Lupinus argenteus, Enceliopsis
nudicaulis, Agropyron desertorum, Achillea millefolium (Eagle and white), Elymus elymoides,
Agropyron cristatum, Pseudoroegneria spicata (Anatone), Elymus wawawaiensis (Secar), and
Bromus tectorum. Populations of Bromus tectorum were collected from Spanish Fork, Skull
Valley and Lookout Pass, UT. The time non-dormant seeds of each species required to reach
25% and 50% germination was determined for each constant temperature. We computed the
hourly germination rate each temperature produced from the number of days to 25% and 50%
germination. The germination rate is the slope of a curve that best fits the 1/days to 25% or 50%
germination. Curves were generated three different ways: a part linear and part polynomial
curve, simple polynomial and Table Curve 2D-generated (a curve-fitting program) polynomial
models. These curves were the basis of the thermal accumulation model.
Germination rates were found to be highest at 25°C for most species. Bromus tectorum
populations experienced the fastest germination rates at 20°C. Highly variable results were
obtained for all of the species at the 35°C constant temperature trial and so these data were not
included in the thermal accumulation model.
102
Model Verification:
Diurnal Curves:
Incubation chambers were programmed with 3 different fluctuating temperature curves based on
spring temperatures in sagebrush-dominated communities in Tintic Valley, Utah. Analysis
comparing the predicted with actual germination rate is not yet complete for all 8 species, but the
thermal accumulation model seemed to slightly overestimate the time to 50% germination for
each curve.
Seedbags:
The wet thermal model was tested in the field at two sites located in north-central Utah, near
White Rocks and the Cedar Mountains in Toole County. Skull Valley is located at 5000’ with
annual precipitation ranging from 8 to 12” and slope of about 0%. The average annual air
temperature is 8-10°C. Soils are a Medburn fine sandy loam. The Lookout Pass site has an
elevation of 5500’ and slope of about 0%. The annual average for precipitation and air
temperature is 10-12” and 7-11°C. Soils are classified as a Taylors flat loam. Both sites were
dominated by crested wheatgrass (A. cristatum). Sagebrush communities originally dominated
these areas.
Four small blocks were established at each site. Each of these small blocks was divided into two
blocks for the each year replication. Each year replication had an area designated for seedbag
burial and seeded plots. Thermocouples measuring soil temperature and gypsum blocks
measuring soil moisture were buried at three depths (1-3, 15-16 and 28-30 cm deep) in each
small block. These sensors were attached to microloggers that calculated their hourly averages.
Precipitation and air temperature were also measured on site.
Table 1. Species seeded in seedbags and small plots.
Species
Linum perenne
Common
Name
blue flax
Cultivar
Appar
Source
UDWR-commercially
PLS
Bulk
Seeding
Rate
(lb/ha)
Seeding
Rate
2003
33
36
2003
33
50
2003
33
47
2003
33
36
47
Year
Collected
(lb/ha)
grown
Achillea
millefolium
Agropyron
cristatum
Pseudoroegneria
spicata
eagle yarrow
Elymus elymoides
squirreltail
Sanpete
Sanpete Co., UT
2003
33
Bromus tectorum
cheatgrass
N/A
Skull Valley, UT
2005
38
Bromus tectorum
cheatgrass
N/A
Lookout Pass, UT
2005
38
hycrest crested
wheatgrass
bluebunch
wheatgrass
N/A
Eastern Washington
Hycrest
Anatone
UDWR-commercially
grown
103
Nylon mesh seedbags of each species were buried in fall 2005 (Table 2).
we only seeded and buried seed that had been collected from that site.
At least one seedbag per species was collected from each block during
a retrieval. After retrieving the seedbags, the percent of germinated
seeds was compared to the model-predicted percent germination (50%
or 25%) based on the surface soil moisture and water potential.
Eighteen seedbag retrievals were planted in 2005. By the first
retrieval date (12/6/05), all species (except A. millefolium) reached
50% germination, so only 2 retrieval dates were analyzed from this
planting. The second was done to see the affects of overwintering on
germination. Five seed bag retrievals were planted when the ground
thawed during February of the following year. Two more retrievals
were planted that spring. So far, nine seedbag retrievals have been
compared with model predictions.
Table 2. Seedbag burial
For
andBromus
retrievaltectorum,
dates.
Buried:
Retrieved:
10/15/05
12/6/05
1/19/06
3/16
3/28
4/11
4/25
5/10 & 5/11
4/11/06
4/25/06
11/9/06
11/30/06
2/21/07
2/27/06
3/28/06
4/11/06
10/24/06
Our thermal accumulation model assumed that seeds accumulated
2/21/07
degree days only when the soil was wet, or when the gypsum block
read the soil water potential as above -1.5 MPa. We analyzed two different methods of
accumulating degree-days for each seedbag retrieval: (1) thermal accumulation started over each
wet period or (2) thermal accumulation was summed for all wet periods.
At Lookout Pass, summed and individual wet period thermal accumulations were equally
accurate in predicting germination. At both sites, the model was able to predict whether
seedbags would reach 25% or 50% germination for all species except A. millefolium. We
conducted a light requirement experiment and verified that A. millefolium has a light requirement
that would not have been fulfilled in the seedbags. Bromus tectorum germination on both sites
was accurately predicted in every retrieval. Only one seedbag retrieval, 2/27/06-4/16/06, was
inaccurately predicted by the model for the other species at Lookout Pass.
At Skull Valley, (a drier and warmer site), B. tectorum and P. spicata germination was predicted
with 100% accuracy by both thermal accumulation methods. In A. cristatum, E. elymoides and
L. perenne, summed thermal accumulation was more accurate to predict germination than
individual wet period thermal accumulation. The thermal accumulation model underestimated
germination during the time that the area experienced freezing temperatures. When the data
were closely examined, short freezing periods when the gypsum blocks read the soil as dry, were
responsible for much of this inaccuracy. When summed thermal accumulation was inaccurate as
well, it showed the same trend that was seen in the incubation diurnal trials. This suggests that
fluctuating temperatures not only accelerate dormancy and priming of seeds (Allen et al. 2007;
Vleeshouwers and Kropff 2000; Forcella et al. 2000) but can also increase germination rate.
104
Figure 2 & 3. Percent germination in spring 2006 seedbag retrievals.
Emergence and Survival:
Lookout Pa ss Se edba g Ge rmina tion
Model Development:
Root growth experiments to predict preemergence growth and survival capability of the
different species will be conducted in spring 2007.
1
Germination (%)
0.8
0.6
Y arrow
Crested
Cheatgrass
Squirreltail
Blue flax
Bluebunch
0.4
0.2
2/27-5/10
Germination (%)
Model Verificiation:
0
Each small block contained three rows of 6 (1 plot
2/27-3/16
2/27-3/28
3/28-4/11
2/27-4/11
4/11-4/25
2/27-4/25
for each species) 1.2 x 1.8m plots. Each row was
Date Plante d - Date Re tr ie ve d
given one of three crested wheatgrass control
Skull Valley Seedbag Germination
treatments: (1) full control herbicide, (2) partial
1
control herbicide and (3) undisturbed. Round-up
0.8
was applied at a rate of 44 oz/ac. for the full
control and 16 oz/ac. for the partial control
0.6
treatment. Small plots were seeded on Oct 15,
Y arrow
0.4
Crested
2005 and on Oct 24 (Skull Valley) and 25
Cheatgrass
Squirreltail
(Lookout Pass) in 2006. Seedling density and
0.2
Blue flax
Bluebunch
survival were monitored in spring and summer
0
2006.
2/27-3/16
2/27-3/28
3/28-4/11
2/27-4/11
4/11-4/25
2/27-4/25
Date Plante d - Date Re trie ve d
High germination rates (Figs. 2, 3) and emergence
numbers (Fig. 4) occurred on both sites. Seedling
mortality was higher for perennial grasses (68%-96%) than for B. tectorum (55%-65%). Almost
all forbs seeded on both sites died (94-99%). Agropyron cristatum (85% and 68%) had slightly
less mortality than the native grasses (P. spicata 80% and 79%, E. elymoides 96% and 69%).
Figures 4 & 5. Number of live seedlings per m of row recorded after notable emergence began (mid- March 2006) to the end of summer.
Grass Emergence and Survival 2006
Forb Emergence and Survival 2006
100
90
200
80
LP Agcr
SV Agcr
60
LP Brte
50
SV Brte
40
LP Elel
30
SV Elel
LP Pssp
20
LP Acmi
SV Acmi
100
LP Lipe
SV Lipe
50
SV Pssp
10
0
24-Mar 13-Apr 3-May 23-May 12-Jun
150
# seedlings/m
# seedlings/m
70
2-Jul
22-Jul 11-Aug 31-Aug
0
24-Mar 13-Apr
3-May
23-May 12-Jun
2-Jul
22-Jul 11-Aug 31-Aug
Higher mortality rates occurred at Lookout Pass for all species due to lack of precipitation events
in July and August.
105
2/27-5/8
Research 2007:
This coming year, data related to thermal accumulation models for species not seeded in seedbags or
small plots will be analyzed. Pre-emergence growth will be modeled by conducting root-growth
experiments at the seven constant temperatures and the three different diurnal curves for all species
and cultivars. Model predictions of the three diurnal curves of all species will be reanalyzed using
the models created by Table Curve 2D. Soil moisture and temperature data for Fall 2006 and Spring
2007 will be downloaded and used to compare predicted and actual germination. Seedbag retrievals
will continue throughout this spring. Seedling density counts in spring and summer of 2007 will be
conducted on small plots of both years. A model converting air temperature and precipitation data to
soil moisture and temperature will be developed. Fluctuating and cold temperature germination
experiments of the six seeded species will be conducted.
Literature Cited:
Allen, P.S., Benech-Arnold, R.L., Batlla, D. and Bradford, K.J. 2007. Modeling of seed
dormancy. pp. 72-112 in Bradford, K.J.; Nonogaki, H. (Eds) Seed Development,
Dormancy and Germination. Oxford, UK, Blackwell Publishing.
Bradford, K.J. 2002. Applications of hydrothermal time to quantifying and modeling seed
germination and dormancy. Weed Sci. 50:248-260.
Forcella, F. 1993. Seedling emergence model for velvetleaf. Agron. J. 85: 929-933.
Forcella, F., R. L. Benech-Arnold, R. Sa´nchez, and C. M. Ghersa. 2000. Modeling seedling
emergence. Field Crops Res. 67:123–139.
Grundy, A.C. 2003. Predicting weed emergence: a review of approaches and future challenges.
Weed Research 43:1-11.
Masin, R., Zuin, M.C., Archer, D.W., Forcella, F. and Zanin, G. 2005. WeedTurf: a predictive
model to aid control of annual summer weeds in turf. Weed Science 53:193–201.
Roman, E. S., S. D. Murphy, and C. J. Swanton. 2000. Simulation of Chenopodium album
seedling emergence. Weed Sci. 48:217–224.
Trudgill, D.L., Honek, A. Li, D. and N.M. Van Straalen. 2005. Thermal time-concepts and
utility. Annals of Applied Biology 146:1-14.
Vleeshouwers, L.M. and Kropff, M.J. 2000. Modelling field emergence patterns in arable
weeds. New Phytologist 148:445-457.
Wang, R., Bai, Y. and Tanino K. 2006. Seedling emergence of winterfat (Krascheninnikovia
lanata (Pursh) A.D.J. Meeuse & Smit) in the field and its prediction using the
hydrothermal time model. J. of Arid Environments 64:37–53.
Management Applications:
For many range species, the environmental conditions required to germinate, establish and
survive have not been quantified. Many laboratory studies have been able to predict different
aspects of seedling establishment based on environmental conditions (Forcella, 1993;
Vleeshouwers 1997; Roman et al. 2000), but there are few that have validated their models with
actual field observations (Vleeshouwers and Kropff 2000; Forcella et al. 2000; Wang et al.
2006). Determining the relationship between environmental conditions and a species’
development and survival rate will allow managers to better select range species that will
establish in a revegetation site. Models predicting the development rate of different weed
species would cue managers to the best time to seed or apply herbicide (Masin et al. 2005;
Grundy 2003; Vleeshouwers and Kropff 2000). Non-chemical control methods (mechanical
106
treatments) could be timed when weed species are most vulnerable (Grundy 2003; Vleeshouwers
and Kropff 2000). Reduced emergence of seeded species due to weed competition for a site
could be estimated based on weed versus seeded species emergence timing (Vleeshouwers and
Kropff 2000). Both 2005 and 2006 were relatively wet years and the model was able to predict
the high germination and subsequent emergence that occurred. The high mortality of those
seedlings shows that selecting species for areas that fulfill their germination and emergence
requirements does not guarantee their establishment. But the thermal accumulation model can be
used to compare the potential emergence of different revegetation species under a range of actual
seedbed temperature and moisture conditions. This should help avoid seeding species with little
likelihood of success and also help to select plant materials that have the highest probability to
emerge. A model that can predict their survivability in summer temperature and moisture
conditions is also needed.
107
Project Title:
Reestablishing Native Plant Diversity in Crested Wheatgrass
Stands in the Great Basin
Project Location:
USDA ARS Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, Oregon
Principal Investigator and Contact Information:
Jane Mangold, Ecologist
USDA-ARS/Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center
67826-A Hwy 205, Burns, OR 97720
541.573.4073, Fax: 541.573.3042
jane.mangold@oregonstate.edu
Cooperators:
USDA-ARS/Pacific West Area, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710
USDA-FS-RMRS, 240 West Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 0526-2098
Oregon State University, Dept. of Range Ecology and Management
202 Strand Agriculture Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-2218
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, 36391 Sodhouse Lane,
Princeton, OR 97720
USDA-NRCS, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, P.O. Box 296
Aberdeen, ID 83210
Project Description:
This project investigates the feasibility of increasing native plant diversity in established crested
wheatgrass stands in the Great Basin. The study location is 80 km south of Burns, OR, on the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in a stand of crested wheatgrass approximately 25 years old.
Objectives include: 1) determine the effect of crested wheatgrass control methodologies and
revegetation on crested wheatgrass density and cover, 2) determine the effect of crested
wheatgrass control methodologies and revegetation on establishment of native species, 3)
determine the effect of crested wheatgrass control methodologies and revegetation on cheatgrass
density and cover, and 4) determine the effects of crested wheatgrass control methodologies and
native plant establishment on the seed bank and on soil nitrogen and water content.
Procedures included varying the method and intensity of crested wheatgrass control, followed by
seeding a mix of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs. Control strategies were tested in a
randomized block, split-plot design with control strategy and intensity as whole plots and seeded
vs. unseeded as split-plots. Control methods included mechanical (disking), chemical
(glyphosate application), or undisturbed (no crested wheatgrass control). Control intensity was
varied by the number of passes with the disk (partial = one pass, full = two passes) and the rate
of glyphosate application (partial = quarter rate, full = full rate). Half the plot was seeded and
half the plot was left unseeded following control treatment. The five treatments (full mechanical
108
control, partial mechanical control, full chemical control, partial chemical control, undisturbed)
were replicated across five blocks each year on 0.4-ha (1-acre) plots for a total of approximately
10 ha (25 acres) treated annually (5 ha (12.5 acres) seeded, 5 ha unseeded). Control and seeding
treatments were applied 2005 and 2006.
Surface soil and litter are being collected in the spring and fall of each year and bioassayed for
seed bank potential of crested wheatgrass, native residuals, seeded species, and cheatgrass. Soil
sampling occurs twice each year (April and September). Cover and density of unseeded and
seeded species will be collected in June for 2 years on plots established in 2005 and for 1 year on
plots established in 2006.
Project Status:
Accomplishments 2006
Control treatments
Chemical control treatments were applied May 3-8, 2006. Glyphosate was applied at 4.8 l/ha (44
oz. per acre) for full control or 2.4 l/ha (10 oz. per acre) for partial control using an ATVmounted boom sprayer, delivering 95 l/ha (10 gal/a) water. Conditions were 10.5-16.7 ˚C, wind
0-10 km/h, and 1-37% relative humidity. Mechanical control treatments were applied May2425, 2006 using a tractor-mounted 4.2-m (14-feet) off-set disk with 50-cm (20-inch) disks.
Seed bank and soil sampling
Seed bank and soil was collected in Year 1 and Year 2 plots. The seed bank was sampled on
May 10-11, 2006. Five-50-cm3 sub-samples were collected from the top 2-cm of soil in each
plot. Seed bank samples were spread in trays containing sterilized sand in a greenhouse at the
Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center and monitored for seedling emergence for 6
weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, a 1000 ppm solution of gibberrellic acid was added to stimulate
germination of any remaining seeds. Seedling numbers were recorded. Soil was sampled for
nitrogen and gravimetric water content by collecting 2-cm-diameter soil cores, 15-cm deep. Five
sub-samples were collected and composited to make one sample per plot. Year 1 plots were
sampled on April 17 and Year 2 plots were sampled on May 10, 2006. Soil samples were
weighed before and after drying to determine gravimetric water content and were then sent to
Central Analytical Lab at Oregon State University for analysis of nitrate-nitrogen and
ammonium-nitrogen.
Vegetation sampling
The following data were collected on June 19-28, 2006, for Year 1 plots (i.e. seeded in fall
2005): 1) density of crested wheatgrass adult plants, cheatgrass, seeded species, any weedy
species phenologically competitive with the seeded species, and any other species present; 2)
cover of crested wheatgrass adult plants, cheatgrass, any significant weedy species, any other
perennial species that was not seeded, bare ground, litter, and rock; 3) nested frequency of
crested wheatgrass seedlings, cheatgrass, and any significant weedy species, and 4) number of
crested wheatgrass seed heads arising from culms of adult plants and average length (cm) of seed
heads.
Vegetation was sampled along five 18-m long transects placed 10-m apart and perpendicular to
the seeded rows. Along each transect, 0.25-m2 (0.5-m x 0.5-m) frames were used to sample
109
vegetation. Percent cover was visually estimated using the Daubenmire cover class method and
density of individuals was counted in 10 frames, 2-m apart, along each transect for a total of 50
frames per plot. The point at which to begin sampling on along transects was randomly
determined. Distinction between bluebunch wheatgrass, Indian ricegrass, and bottlebrush
squirreltail was difficult and therefore these three species were grouped into seeded perennial
grasses. The other seeded species could be identified and thus were recorded individually.
Several weeks following sampling (at seed head maturity), samples of adult crested wheatgrass
were collected across Year 1 plots. The length and number of seeds per seed head were
recorded. This information was coupled with the number of crested seed heads arising from
culms at the time of sampling (see 4 above) and used to estimate aerial seedbank of crested
wheatgrass within each plot in seeds/ha by regressing number of seed heads per cm of seed head
against average length of seed head.
Seeding
Year 2 plots were seeded on October 30-31, 2006. Plots were seeded using a modified Truax
Rough Rider no-till drill. Two seed mixes were used (same seed as in 2005), one large-seeded
and the other small-seeded. Because of a potential seed quality issue (4% germination TZ), new
Wyoming big sagebrush seed was purchased and added to the seed mix. Large seeds were put in
a cool-season box while small seeds were put in a fluffy seed box. Alternating drops were used
from the cool-season and fluffy boxes. The cool-season box fed the seeding disks, and the fluffy
box dropped seeds onto the soil surface where they were rolled over by Brillion wheels. The
large-seeded mix included four-wing saltbush, Lewis flax, Munro globemallow, bluebunch
wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, and Indian ricegrass. The small-seeded mix included
Wyoming big sagebrush, white-stemmed rabbitbrush, western yarrow, and Sandberg bluegrass.
Species, kind/variety, commercial source and seeding rates are listed in Table 1. Seeding
conditions were approximately 15˚C, sunny, breezy, and dry.
Data analysis/Preliminary Results
Vegetation data from Year 1 plots was entered into Excel, compiled, and analyzed with SAS
statistical software using a split-plot analysis of variance (ANOVA). Control treatments
generally did not decrease density of crested wheatgrass below that of the untreated control (Fig.
1). The full mechanical control resulted in an increase in crested wheatgrass (Fig. 1). Seeded
species density was highest in those plots that received mechanical control (Fig. 2). Cheatgrass
density increased when subjected to the partial control mechanical treatment (Figure 3).
Plans for 2007
Sampling
Vegetation cover and density of Year 1 and Year 2 plots will be sampled during June using the
same methods as in 2006. Seed bank and soil nitrogen and gravimetric water content will be
sampled using the same methods as in 2005 and 2006. Seed bank and soil samples will be
collected in April and September.
110
Data analysis
Vegetation, seed bank, and soil nitrogen and gravimetric water content data will be entered into
Excel, compiled, and analyzed using SAS.
Final report
The final report, master’s thesis, and a manuscript for journal submittal will be prepared
following sampling and data analysis.
Management Applications:
Information obtained from this study will provide land managers with best practices for restoring
native plant diversity in existing crested wheatgrass monocultures. Results will also further our
understanding of the feasibility of using “assisted succession” for restoring landscapes currently
dominated by cheatgrass.
Products:
Publications
Mangold, J. 2006. Restoring native plant diversity in crested wheatgrass
stands. Malheur Musings 3(2):4.
Presentations
Increasing native diversity in crested wheatgrass stands. Invited
presentation at Society for Range Management—Idaho Chapter. Boise,
ID. January 17, 2007.
Technology Transfer None at this time.
111
Table 1. Seeded species, including their origin and commercial source, and seeding rates.
Species
Kind/
Variety
Commercial
Source
Seeding Rate
(lb. PLS/acre)
Wyoming big sagebrush
(Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis)
Maple Leaf
0.20
Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens)
L&H Seed
1.0
White-stemmed rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus nauseosus albicaulis)
Maple Leaf
0.25
Lewis flax (Linum lewisii)
‘Appar’
Maple Leaf
0.75
Western yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)
Eagle
Landmark Seed
0.20
Maple Leaf
0.50
Munro globemallow
(Sphaeralcea munroana)
Bluebunch wheatgrass
(Pseudoroegneria spicata)
Anatone
Landmark Seed
3.0
Sandberg bluegrass
(Poa secunda)
Mountain
Home
Landmark Seed
0.75
Squirreltail (Elymus elymoides
californica)
Toe Jam
Creek
Landmark Seed
2.0
Indian ricegrass
(Achnatherum hymenoides)
‘Nezpar’
Landmark Seed
2.0
112
2
Crested wheatgrass density (plants/m )
10
c
8
ab
ab
b
PCM
UD
a
6
4
2
0
FCH
FCM
PCH
`
Figure 1. Treatment effect on density of crested wheatgrass. FCH = full control herbicide, FCM
= full control mechanical, PCH = partial control herbicide, PCM = partial control mechanical,
and UD = undisturbed control. Error bars represent ±1 SE.
Treatment
50
2
Seeded species density (plants/m )
b
40
c
30
ab
ab
a
20
10
0
FCH
FCM
PCH
PCM
UD
Treatment
Figure 2. Treatment effect on density of seeded species. FCH = full control herbicide, FCM =
full control mechanical, PCH = partial control herbicide, PCM = partial control mechanical, and
UD = undisturbed control. Error bars represent ±1 SE.
120
Cheatgrass density (tillers/m2)
c
100
b
b
b
80
60
a
40
20
0
FCH
FCM
PCH
PCM
UD
Treatment
Figure 3. Treatment effect on density of cheatgrass. FCH = full control herbicide, FCM = full
control mechanical, PCH = partial control herbicide, PCM = partial control mechanical, and UD
= undisturbed control. Error bars represent ±1 SE.
113
Project Title:
Revegetation Equipment Catalog Project
Project Location:
College Station, Texas
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Harold Wiedemann
4000 Stony Creek Lane, College Station, TX 77845
979.690.8685, (cell) 979.255.1375
h.wiedemann@verizon.net
Project Description: Prepare and publish an equipment catalog describing types and operations
of equipment designed or adapted for rangeland vegetation manipulation, wildlife habitat
improvement, and disturbed land rehabilitation. Categories include all types of implements used
in brush and weed control, site preparation, seeding and planting, seed collection and processing,
and related equipment such as tractors, all-terrain vehicles, global positioning systems, trailers,
and miscellaneous items. Photographs, special features, and suppliers (including website
addresses and other contact information) will be listed for each type of equipment. The final
product will be a web-based publication allowing for updates and new advances in technology.
It will likely be used throughout the United States and internationally.
Project Status: The Revegetation Equipment Catalog text was completed and placed on the
World Wide Web. It was officially announced at the Rangeland Technology and Equipment
Council (RTEC) meeting during the Society for Range Management Annual Meeting in Ft.
Worth, Texas in February 2005. It has been well received nationally and internationally, and in
2006 it received a Blue Ribbon Educational Website Award from the American Society of
Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
The catalog has been publicized by a poster and live laptop demonstrations in a tradeshow booth
and laptop demonstrations at RTEC programs at the Society for Range Management annual
meetings in Vancouver, Canada and Reno, NV. A poster presentation and demonstration was
given at the Soil & Water Conservation Society annual meeting in Keystone, Colorado. The
tradeshow displays have resulted in several companies wanting to list new equipment in the
website.
Our publicity and inquires from search engines such a Google has resulted in significant use of
the catalog. Tracking software logged 102,561 visitors in 2006. The United States accounts for
91% of the visitors while the remaining 9% are international. The top five states are Texas
(7.4%), California (6.2%), Virginia (5.6%), Colorado (3.2%), and New York (2.6%).
The catalog is being used in restoration classes at Brigham Young and Oregon State universities
and possibly others. Restoration classes taught at the BLM National Training Center in Phoenix
have utilized the catalog. Information about equipment and its use has been included in
handbooks by the Florida NRCS and Colorado Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rangeland
West http://rangelandswest.org, the BLM Great Basin Restoration Initiative
http://www.fire.blm.gov/gbri/links.html, the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase
114
Project http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/greatbasin.shtml, and Society for Range
Management http://www.rangelands.org each have a link to the catalog’s website. Additionally,
several requests for special information have been received from ranchers and government field
personnel.
There have been several new equipment additions and a few minor corrections. This
demonstrates the advantages of the book being published on the web and the author’s proximity
to the Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department at Texas A&M University who are
currently hosting the website.
Products
A. Publications:
Wiedemann, H.T., Nancy Shaw, Mike Pellant. 2006.
Revegetation Equipment Catalog. 2006 Conference Abstract
Book, p 68. Soil and Water Conservation Society annual meeting,
Keystone, Colorado, July 22-26, 2006.
B. Presentations:
Wiedemann, H.T. 2006. Revegetation Equipment Catalog. Poster
presentation and website demonstration. Society for Range
Management, Tradeshow, Vancouver, Canada, February 12-17.
115
Project Title:
The Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies
Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program
Project Location:
Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Principal Investigators and Contact Information:
Ann DeBolt, Botanist
USDA-FS-RMRS, 322 East Front Street, Suite 401
Boise, ID 83702
208.373.4366, Fax 208.373.4391
adebolt@fs.fed.us
Chet Boruff, Chief Executive Officer
Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA)
1601 52nd Avenue, Suite 1, Moline, IL 61265
309.736.0120, Fax 309.736.0115
cboruff@aosca.org
Project Description:
In May 2003, the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) executive vice
president invited the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project to submit a
proposal to work through their national organization towards the development of a multi-state
approach for increasing native forb seed supplies for Great Basin restoration. The program
involves distribution of wildland-collected seed to growers via the Foundation Seed Programs of
states producing seed for the Great Basin (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and
surrounding areas). Initial emphasis was on species not included on the principal research list,
but research species were added to the list of offerings in 2005 to bolster efforts to “jump-start”
their increased availability as well. To implement this program, RMRS and AOSCA drafted and
signed an agreement in 2003. The agreement was revised and funding was appropriated in 2006
to continue the program’s efforts for another 3 years.
Project Status:
Seed was cleaned, tested and source-identified prior to distribution to state Foundation Seed
Program managers and growers (Table 1). Table 1 and the following narrative provide additional
details as to the program’s status and 2006 seed lot distributions.
- Seed lots distributed in 2006:
o Chaenactis douglasii (Douglas false-yarrow) – Northern Basin and Range
(Ecoregion 80 a); sole source from Owyhee County, Idaho (3700-4500 feet).
Distributed to central Idaho grower.
o Crepis acuminata (Tapertip hawksbeard) – Central Basin and Range (Ecoregion
13); sole source from Eureka County, Nevada (6,400 feet). Distributed to
southern Idaho grower.
o Erigeron pumilus (Shaggy fleabane) – Snake River Plain (Ecoregion 12 a); sole
source from Owyhee County, Idaho (4400 feet). Distributed to central Idaho
grower.
116
o Lomatium dissectum (Fernleaf biscuitroot) – Northern Basin and Range
(Ecoregion 80 a, e, f) source; pooled from 6 sites between 3,147 and 4,452 feet,
from 3 counties in Idaho and Oregon. Distributed to northern Utah grower.
o Penstemon acuminatus (Sand penstemon) –Snake River Plain (Ecoregion 12 a, h,
j) source; pooled from 13 sites on sandy soil between 2,330 and 3,361 feet, from 6
counties in Idaho and Oregon. Distributed to eastern Washington grower.
o Penstemon deustus (Hotrock penstemon) – Snake River Plain (Ecoregion 12 f, h)
source; pooled from 3 sites between 2,829 and 3,320 feet. Distributed to southern
Idaho grower.
o Penstemon speciosus (Sagebrush penstemon) – Snake River Plain (Ecoregion 12
j/a); sole source from Payette County, Idaho (2,500 feet). Distributed to eastern
Washington grower.
o Penstemon speciosus (Sagebrush penstemon) – Northern Basin and Range
(Ecoregion 80 a, f) source; pooled from 4 sites between 3,400 and 4,292 feet.
Distributed to southern Idaho grower.
In spring 2007, we will distribute several species to a grower in eastern Oregon for spring
sowing. Species will include those that do not require a long prechill treatment.
Meetings and Field Tours
DeBolt: Attended the Annual Field Day at Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment
Station, Ontario, OR (July 13, 2006). Gave short overview presentation on GBNPSIP and the
Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program.
DeBolt: Attended a tour of Pacific Northwest Seed Growers. June 2006.
117
Table 1. Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program accessions distributed to growers (March 2004 through November 2006).
Program Manager
Name and State
Kathy Stewart-Williams
(ID)
Species
Lot Number and Ecoregion
Weight
(g)
13.6
Distribution Date
Status
Aug-04
planted Oct-05; poor stand in ’06;
very dry spring; no seed yet
planted Oct-05; good emergence
and high uniformity; no seed yet,
but seed expected in 2007
planted Oct-05; excellent stand in
’06; no seed yet, but seed expected
in 2007
not planted; seed lot returned to
RMRS
Thurber needlegrass
AchThu2-BSE-03 (Snake River Plain)
Seed
Origin
NV
Sulfur buckwheat
ERUM U9-03 (Central Basin & Range)
NV
99
Aug-04
Sagebrush penstemon
PenSpe9A-BSE-03 (N Basin & Range)
OR
212
Aug-04
Fernleaf biscuitroot
LomDis56-BSE-05 (Snake River Plain)
ID
350
Dec-05
Sagebrush penstemon
Pooled PESP (N Basin & Range)
ID, OR
375
Oct-06
planted Nov-06
Tapertip hawksbeard
CRAC U36-04 (Central Basin & Range)
NV
454
Oct-06
planted Nov-06
Hotrock penstemon
Pooled PEDE (Snake River Plain)
ID
908
Oct-06
planted Nov-06
Yellow beeplant
CLLU U1-01 (Central Basin & Range)
NV
300
Aug-04
not planted; will be returned to
RMRS
Oval-leaf buckwheat
EROV U9-02 (Central Basin & Range)
NV
10
Aug-04
Arrowleaf balsamroot
BASA U32-02 (Central Basin & Range)
NV
735
Mar-04
Tapertip hawksbeard
Wyeth buckwheat
CRAC U10-01 (Central Basin & Range)
EriHer1-BSE-03 (Snake River Plain)
NV
ID
110
43
Mar-04
Mar-04
Fernleaf biscuitroot
*LomDis18-BSE-03 (Idaho Batholith)
ID
488
Mar-04
Fernleaf biscuitroot
LODI 11-B7-03 (N Basin & Range)
OR
91
Mar-04
Sagebrush penstemon
PenSpe1-BSE-03 (Snake River Plain)
ID
92
Mar-04
Fernleaf biscuitroot
Pooled LODI (N Basin & Range)
ID, OR
908
Oct-06
planted Nov-06
Arrowleaf balsamroot
BalSag55-BSE-04 (Snake River Plain)
OR
390
Sep-04
not planted until fall 2005;
no production in 2006
Munro globemallow
SphMun3-BSE-04 (N Basin & Range)
OR
45.2
Sep-04
Gary Cross (NV)
Stanford Young (UT)
Lee Schweitzer (OR)
not yet planted but will be sown in
Mar-07
established; no seed crop yet
failed to establish
poor establishment; no seed
production
poor establishment; no seed
production; remaining seed
redistributed to WA grower
poor establishment; no seed
production
*3 lbs seed produced in 2006;
other field planting failed
not planted until fall 2005;
no production in 2006
118
Table 1. Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program accessions distributed to growers (March 2004 through November 2006).
Program Manager
Name and State
Jerry Robinson (WA)
Species
Lot Number and Ecoregion
Seed
Origin
ID
Weight
(g)
300
Distribution Date
Status
Oct-04
*3 lbs seed production in 2006
did not establish due to lack of
appropriate prechill treatment
not yet planted due to lack of
proper site; may need to return to
RMRS
Royal penstemon
Pecy1-B6-02 (Snake River Plain)
Sagebrush penstemon
PenSpe43-BSE-06 (N Basin & Range)
ID
95
Jan-06
Fernleaf biscuitroot
*LomDis18-BSE-03 (Idaho Batholith)
ID
454
Douglas false-yarrow
ChaDou1-BSE-05
ID
248
December 2005
(redistributed from
UT to WA)
Apr-06
Shaggy fleabane
EriPum4-BSE-05
ID
30
Apr-06
Grower never planted and will
return to RMRS
Sagebrush penstemon
Sand penstemon
PenSpe35-BSE-05 (Snake River Plain)
Pooled PEAC (Snake River Plain)
ID
ID, OR
375
4.1 lbs
Nov-06
Nov-06
planted Nov-06
planted Nov-06
Planted in spring; small amount of
seed production in year 1 due to
herbicide effect; plants do not
appear to have overwintered
* 2006 seed production
119
Project Title:
Establishment and Maintenance of the Buy-Back
Program for Certified Seed
Project Location:
Utah Crop Improvement Association, Utah State University
Principle Investigators and Contact Information:
Stanford Young, Research Professor/Seed Certification Specialist
Utah Crop Improvement Association
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4855
435.797.2082, Fax: 435.797.3376
Michael Bouck, Field Supervisor
Utah Crop Improvement Association
Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4855
435.797.2101, Fax: 435.797.3376
michaelb@mendel.usu.edu
Project Description:
This project is funded through a Research Joint Venture Agreement between the USFS-RMRS in
Boise, ID and the Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA), initiated in the fall of 2003 and
renewed with additional funds in the fall of 2004. Seed was distributed using the Buy-back
option, a mechanism for obtaining a portion of the seed increased by private growers back to the
UCIA for redistribution to the original and additional seed growers for further seed increase.
Project Status:
A synopsis of the Buy-back Program follows (dated January 10, 2007). Table 1 lists forb and
grass seed acquisitions, distributions, inventory, field status, and seed harvested for species
germplasms included in the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program from 2002-2006. It is
expected that in 2007 several additional forbs and grasses will be included in the program. Table
2 lists the standardized market price for contract negotiations.
Project Synopsis:
Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project (GBNPSIP) and Utah Crop
Improvement Association (UCIA) Stock Seed Buy-back Program, January 10, 2007. This
program encourages and allows seed growers to benefit economically in a timely manner as an
incentive to participate in the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program. The program helps
accelerate the increase in stock seed supplies and ultimately increase seed supplies on the open
market for commercial revegetation use.
The purpose of the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program, funded through the GBNPSIP, is: 1) to
facilitate development of a seed market for specific germplasm accessions and formal germplasm
releases developed through GBNPSIP; these include all germplasms prior to 2003 and certain
others assigned through 2006 (Table 1); 2) to reward initial seed growers financially for the risks
they have assumed to participate in the program; 3) to document germplasm identity through the
seed increase process by utilizing seed certification protocols; and 4) to increase stock seed
120
available for potential secondary seed growers. This program is administered through the Utah
Crop Improvement Association.
The mechanisms for purchasing stock seed from growers and redistributing it for further increase
are as follows:
1. UCIA offers for free or for sale (depending on seed generation and availability) stock
seed to seed growers.
2. After harvest of the first seed production year, the grower will be required to return to the
UCIA (for inventory reserve) up to twice the original amount of stock seed he/she
received. More may be returned if mutually negotiated. The grower will be compensated
125% of the standardized market price (SMP, see Table 2) for all seed returned to UCIA.
SMP will be updated as needed.
3. UCIA may negotiate to buy all or part of the seed from any subsequent years of seed
production back from seed grower at 125% SMP.
4. UCIA offers the grower the option to immediately buy back the seed sold to the UCIA
(except for the inventory reserve) at 100% SMP. The grower thus realizes an immediate
25% premium incentive to expand plantings and remain in the program. This seed must
be planted for seed production and entered into the local seed certification program either
by original seed grower or another seed grower recruited by the original seed grower. If
this seed is instead sold commercially, the UCIA reserves the right to recover the 25%
premium paid for the seed.
5. All seed offered to the UCIA, bought, or sold shall be certified or certified eligible.
6. UCIA agrees to pay for shipping and seed analysis costs. Seed purchasing, shipping, and
seed analysis costs are to be reimbursed to the UCIA through GBNPSIP program funds.
7. If seed is unconditioned when purchased by the UCIA, the seed grower may be charged
for conditioning costs, or in certain circumstances these costs may be paid by the UCIA
and reimbursed by GBNPSIP.
Notes:
1. Seed quantity and quality (lbs PLS) of original stock seed provided to the seed grower
will be determined on a case by case basis in order to determine the amount of seed that
must be returned to the UCIA from the first harvestable crop by the seed grower.
2. When the original seed grower sells to the UCIA and/or buys back seed (as in points 3
and 4 above) the amount of seed (lbs PLS) will typically be verified through the
applicable state seed certification agency. Some instances may require special
negotiation.
Publications and Presentations:
Young, S.A. Updating seed assurance. Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology Seminar, USU, Feb.
13, 2006. PowerPoint Presentation and Discussion.
Young, S.A. Tracking the natives from wildlands to fields and back. 6th Annual Native Seed
Quality Conference, Omaha, NB, Feb. 21-22, 2006. PowerPoint Presentation and Discussion.
121
Bouck, M. Seed stock of forbs grown for the GBRI and nursery and landscape industries.
Intermountain Native Plant Summit IV, Boise, ID, March 28-30, 2006. PowerPoint Presentation
and Discussion.
Young, S.A. Source Identified native plant species program. Association of American Seed
Control Officials, 20th Annual Meeting, Billings, MT, July 24-26, 2006. PowerPoint
Presentation and Discussion.
Young, S.A. and G.W. Andersen. Reasons for specifying certified and Source Identified seed.
UDWR Great Basin Research Center Restoration Workshop and Training Session, Sept. 18-21,
2006, Ephraim, UT. Handouts and Discussion.
122
Kind & Variety / Germplasm
Lot/ Source
Seed acquisition
and production
status
Generation
Table 1. 2006 Update: Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) forb and grass seed acquisition, distribution, inventory, and field planting status for species
germplasms included in the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, UCIA Stock Seed Buyback Program
FORBS & SHRUBS
Added to
Inventory
Date
bulk
Distributed
from Inventory
Date
bulk
Inventory
12/31/2005
State
distributed to
Field Status
Seed Harvested
WA WY
Established
yes
bulk
Achillea millefolium
Western Yarrow
Germplasm (Eagle Mountain)
*3
G2
6.5
9/23/04
6.5
*3
G2
13
9/20/05
0
BAHO B1-02
*1*2
G0
271g
Fall
2002
271g
Fall
2002
0.0
CO ID
Seedling
no
CRAC U11-02
*2
G0
50g
Fall
2002
50g
Fall
2002
0.0
ID
Established, taken out
yes
Lomatium dissectum
LODI B7-02
*2
G0
39g
0.0
ID
Established, taken out
yes
Giant Lomatium
LODI B14-02
*2
G0
0.0
NV
unsuccessful
no
LODI PS-04
*3
G1
LOTRT B2-02
*2
0.0
ID OR
Established, taken out
yes
Penstemon acuminatus
PEAC2 B4-02
Sharpleaf Penstemon
Balsamorhiza hookeri
NSW4-1-EMY1-1
NWS-1-YARFDN
9/14/05
0
13
Hooker Balsamroot
Crepis acuminata
Taperstip hawksbeard
96g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
96g
60g
11/30/04
0
G0
446g
Fall
2002
446g
*1*2
G0
102g
PEAC2 B1-01
*2
G0
37g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
Penstemon cyaneus
PECY2 B6-02
*2
G0
968g
Fall
2002
Blue Penstemon
PPI-04-1
*1*3
G1
3 lbs
2004.0448
*1*3
G1
16
Penstemon deustus
PEDE B11-02
*1*2
G0
150g
Hotrock Penstemon
PEDE B10-02
*1*2
G0
123g
Lomatium triternatum
39g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
60g *4
Fall
2002
Ternate lomatium
0.0
ID
established
yes
37g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
0.0
NV
unsuccessful
no
968g
Fall
2002
0.0
ID CO
Established
yes (shoshone
office)
1/6/05
3
9/16/05
0.0
ID
Seedling
no
2/2/05
16
2/2/05
0.0
CO
Seedling
no
0.0
ID
Established
yes
0.0
OR
?
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
102g
150g
123g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
123
Kind & Variety / Germplasm
Lot/ Source
Penstemon pachyphyllus
PEPA2 U6-99
Thickleaf Penstemon
PEPA PS-04
Seed
acquisition and
production
status
Generation
Table 1 cont. 2006 Update: Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) Forb and grass seed acquisition, distribution, inventory, and field planting status for
species germplasms included in the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, UCIA Stock Seed Buyback Program.
*1*2
G0
1020g
Fall
2002
1020g
*3
G1
345g
11/30/04
0
Added to
Inventory
bulk
A5-4-P1
*3
G1
50lbs
Sphaeralcea parvifolia
SPGR U19-02
*2
G0
150g
Small Flower Globemallow
SPGR U13-01
*2
G0
150g
SPPA U14-02
Date
6/7/05
Distributed
from Inventory
bulk
7
Date
Fall
2002
Inventory
12/31/2005
bulk
State
distributed to
Field Status
Seed Harvested
0.0
ID OR NV
Various
yes
43.0
UT ID
Seedling
no
0.0
OR
Unsuccessful
no
0.0
OR
unsuccessful
no
0.0
CO
Established
yes
ID CO
Established, taken out
yes
345g *4
Fall
2005
*1*2
G0
150g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
S04-2-4
*3
G1
1.44lbs
8/19/04
0
1.44lbs
SPGR PS-04
*3
G1
130g
11/30/04
0
130g *4
Tragopogon dubius
TRDU U2-02
*2
G0
5.44lbs
Fall
2002
5.44lbs
Yellow Salsify
TRDU DW-04
*3
G1
201g
9/15/04
subtotal
105.2lbs
150g
150g
150g
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
Fall
2002
0.0
0
201g
46.8lbs
59lbs
GRASS
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
P7 Germplasm
BB-3207, UCIA 84
*2
G4
450.0
10/15/03
0.00
Anatone Germplasm
JA-03, UCIA 44
*3
G2
300.0
3/4/04
300.0
3/17/04
450.0
0.0
WA
Various
yes
*1*2
G2
5.0
3/15/04
5.0
4/14/04
0.0
WA
Established
no
*2
G2
4.0
10/19/04
0.0
8/20/03
254.2
9/15/03
54.9
UT ID WA
various
yes
54.9
9/15/05
0.0
ID WA WY
seedling
no
Indian Ricegrass
Star lake Germplasm
GV LOW, ARS 14
GV MED
4.0
Sandberg Bluegrass
Mountain Home Germplasm
557-215-31A
*3
G2
304.0
Mountain Home Germplasm
557-215-31A
*3
G2
0.0
SH RI-98
*2
G2
25.4
Squirreltail (Bottlebrush)
Sand Hollow Germplasm
11/15/02
0.0
25.4
124
Kind & Variety / Germplasm
Lot/ Source
Seed acquisition
and production
status
Generation
Table 1 cont. 2006 Update: Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) Forb and grass seed acquisition, distribution, inventory, and field planting status for
species germplasms included in the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project, UCIA Stock Seed Buyback Program.
Added to
Inventory
Date
bulk
Toe Jam Creek Germplasm
Fish Creek Germplasm
Distributed
from Inventory
Date
bulk
Inventory
12/31/2005
State
distributed to
Field Status
Seed Harvested
bulk
LHS1B2J-336
*3
G4
127.5
9/19/05
127.5
9/19/05
0.0
WA
Seedling
no
LHS1B2G-335
*3
G4
41.0
11/12/04
41.0
9/19/05
0.0
WA
Seedling
no
LHS1B2K-336
*3
G3
113.5
9/14/05
113.5
9/14/05
0.0
WA
Seedling
no
LHS1B2H-335
*3
G3
47.0
10/28/04
47.0
9/19/05
0.0
WA WY
Seedling
no
subtotal
1417.4
943.1
534.3
Total
1522.6
989.9
593.3
*1 Currently under Stock Seed Increase contract with grower/cooperators
*2 Seed acquired at no charge from GBRI Cooperators
*3 Cost of seed reimbursed to UCIA through USFS joint venture buy-back program agreement.
*4 Seed not certified, can be used for demonstration plots
125
Table 2. 2007 Standardized Market Price for contract negotiation.
Scientific Name
Balsamorhiza hookeri
Crepis acuminata
Lomatium dissectum
Lomatium triternatum
Penstemon acuminatus
Penstemon cyananthus
Penstemon cyaneus
Penstemon deustus
Penstemon pachyphyllus
Penstemon palmeri
Sphaeralcea munroana
Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia
Sphaeralcea parvifolia
Tragopogon dubius
Achnatherum thurberianum
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Achillea millefolium
Poa secunda
Elymus elymoides
Elymus elymoides
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Common Name
Hooker’s balsamroot
Tapertip hawksbeard
Giant lomatium (Fernleaf biscuitroot)
Ternate lomatium (Nineleaf biscuitroot)
Sharpleaf penstemon (Sand penstemon)
Wasatch penstemon
Blue penstemon
Hotrock penstemon
Thickleaf penstemon
Palmer penstemon
Munro globemallow
Gooseberryleaf globemallow
Small-flower globemallow
Yellow salsify
Thurber’s needlegrass
Arrowleaf balsamroot
Western yarrow Eagle Site
Sandberg bluegrass Mountain Home Site
Fish Creek Germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail
Toe Jam Creek Germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail
P-7 Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass
2007
Suggested
Market Price
$
60.00
$
140.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
50.00
$
25.00
$
60.00
$
60.00
$
60.00
$
30.00
$
50.00
$
45.00
$
15.00
$
12.00
$
25.00
$
25.00
$
6.50
126
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
UDWR,
NSL
SSL-B,
OSU
SSL-B,
NSL
AOSCA
UDWR
Releases
SSL-B,
NSL
Wildland shrub
seed collection
Seed germination,
testing
SSL-B,
OSU
AGCR
diversification
Cultural practices
Pollinators and
predators
Genetic variability
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Common Name
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
Apiaceae
Lomatium dissectum
Fernleaf
biscuitroot
Lomatium graveolens var.
graveolens
Stinking lomatium
L. leptocarpum
Gray's biscuitroot
Slender-fruit
lomatium
L. triternatum
Nineleaf
biscuitroot
L. grayi
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
SSL-B
SSL-B
SSL-B
SSL-B,
OSU
UDWR
UDWR
SSL-B,
NSL
UDWR,
NSL
Agoseris aurantiaca
Orange agoseris
SSL-P
A. glauca
Pale agoseris
Bigflower
agoseris
Annual agoseris
Wyoming big
sagebrush
Hooker
balsamroot
Arrowleaf
balsamroot
A. tridentata wyomingensis
Balsamorhiza hookeri
B. sagittata
SSL-P
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
Yampah
A. heterophylla
BBSL,
CSU
UDWR
Perideridia bolanderi
Asteraceae
Achillea millefolium
A. grandiflora
SSL-P
X
X
Western yarrow
SSL-B
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P,
BYU
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
X
SSL-P
BYU,
SSL-P
SSL-P
UDWR
UDWR
X
UDWR
SSL-P
BBSL,
CSU
UDWR
NSL
UDWR,
NSL
X
X
127
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Crepis acuminata
Gray rabbitbrush
Tapertip
hawksbeard
C. occidentalis
Gray hawksbeard
Western
hawksbeard
Erigeron pumilus
Machaeranthera canescens
Viguiera multiflora
Shaggy fleabane
Hoary aster
Showy goldeneye
C. intermedia
Capparaceae
Cleome lutea
C. serrulata
Yellow beeplant
Rocky Mountain
beeplant
AOSCA
Releases
Wildland shrub
seed collection
AGCR
diversification
Seed germination,
testing
Cultural practices
Pollinators and
predators
Douglas falseyarrow
Genetic variability
Chaenactis douglasii
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Common Name
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
NSL
SSL-P
UDWR
SSL-P
BBSL,
CSU
UDWR
UDWR,
BYU
UDWR
NSL
UDWR
UDWR
SSL-P
X
X
NSL
SSL-P
UDWR
NSL
NSL
X
UDWR
UDWR
X
SSL-P
UDWR
BBSL
BBSL
Chenopodiaceae
Atriplex canescens
A. confertifolia
A. torreyi
Krascheninnikovia lanata
Fabaceae
Astragalus eremeticus
Four-wing
saltbush
Shadscale
Torrey's saltbush
Winterfat
Hermit milkvetch
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
NSL
128
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
Utah milkvetch
SSL-P
SSL-P
Dalea ornata
Hedysarum boreale
H. occidentale
Lathyrus brachycalyx
Lupinus arbustus
Prairie clover
Boreal
sweetvetch
Western
sweetvetch
Sweetpea
Longspur lupine
FRRL
FRRL
FRRL
SSL-P
FRRL
FRRL,
SSL-P
BBSL,
CSU
BBSL,
CSU
FRRL
SSL-P
SSL-P
L. argenteus
L. caudatus
L. polyphyllus
Silvery lupine
Tailcup lupine
Bigleaf lupine
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
L. sericeus
Silky lupine
SSL-P
SSL-P
Vicia americana
American vetch
SSL-P
Tapertip onion
Green-banded
star tulip
Pullman
FRRL
SSL-P,
BYU
BBSL,
CSU
AOSCA
A. utahensis
BBSL,
CSU
Releases
FRRL
Wildland shrub
seed collection
FRRL
AGCR
diversification
Threadstalk
milkvetch
Seed germination,
testing
A. filipes (A. stenophyllus)
Cultural practices
Common Name
Pollinators and
predators
Genetic variability
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
NSL
SSL-P
UDWR
UDWR
UDWR
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P,
BYU
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
Liliaceae
Allium acuminatum
Calochortus macrocarpus
C. nuttallii
C. gunnisonii
Pullman
Sego lily
Gunnison's
mariposa lily
129
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
Malvaceae
Sphaeralcea spp.
S. coccinea
S. grossulariifolia
S. munroana
S. parvifolia
Globemallow
Scarlet
globemallow
Gooseberryleaf
globemallow
Munro's
globemallow
Small-flower
globemallow
Aberdeen
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P,
FRRL
FRRL
FRRL
AOSCA
Releases
SSL-P
UDWR,
BYU
UDWR,
BYU
UDWR
UDWR
Wildland shrub
seed collection
AGCR
diversification
Seed germination,
testing
Cultural practices
Pollinators and
predators
Blue flax
Blue flax
Genetic variability
Linaceae
Linum lewisii lewisii
L. perenne
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Common Name
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
UDWR
UDWR
X
X
UDWR
UDWR
UDWR
X
Poaceae
Achnatherum hymenoides
A. thurberianum
Indian ricegrass
Thurber’s
needlegrass
Agropyron cristatum
Crested
wheatgrass
Bromus carinatus
B. marginatus
Elymus elymoides
E. elymoides brevifolia
California brome
Mountain brome
Squirreltail grass
Bottlebrush
FRRL
SSL-P,
FRRL
SSL-B
FRRL
X
SSL-B
X
X
BYU,
EOARC,
NRCS,
BLM1
FRRL
FRRL
SSL-P
SSL-P
FRRL
FRRL
CSU
FRRL
X
130
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
P. secunda
Basin wildrye
Beardless wildrye
Green
needlegrass
Western
wheatgrass
Muttongrass
Sandberg
bluegrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Bluebunch
wheatgrass
Leymus cinereus
L. triticoides
Nassella viridula
Pascopyrum smithii
Poa fendleriana
FRRL
UDWR,
SSL-P,
FRRL
UDWR,
FRRL
FRRL
FRRL
SSL-P,
FRRL
FRRL
FRRL
CSU
AOSCA
Releases
UDWR,
SSL-P
Wildland shrub
seed collection
UDWR,
SSL-P
AGCR
diversification
Seed germination,
testing
Needle-and
thread grass
FRRL
Cultural practices
Hesperostipa comata
FRRL
Pollinators and
predators
E. wawawaiensis
Genetic variability
E. multisetus
squirreltail
Big squirreltail
Snake River
wheatgrass
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Common Name
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
UDWR
X
FRRL
UDWR
FRRL
FRRL
UDWR,
Aberdeen,
FRRL
FRRL
SSL-B
X
FRRL
SSL-B
SSL-B
X
SSL-P
SSL-P
UDWR
Polemoniaceae
P. longifolia
Polygonaceae
Eriogonum heracleoides
E. ovalifolium
Longleaf phlox
Wyeth buckwheat
Cushion
buckwheat
SSL-P,
BYU
SSL-P
UDWR,
BYU
UDWR,
NSL
X
UDWR
X
131
Appendix 1. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project: Status of Research Species.
E. umbellatum
Rosaceae
Sulfur-flower
buckwheat
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
Bitterbrush
SSL-P
Sharpleaf
penstemon
Royal
penstemon
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
P. palmeri
Scabland
penstemon
Thickleaf
penstemon
Palmer
penstemon
P. speciosus
Sagebrush
penstemon
SSL-B,
Aberdeen
Purshia tridentata
Scrophulariaceae
Penstemon acuminatus
P. cyaneus
P. deustus
P. pachyphyllus
SSL-P
BBSL,
CSU
SSL-B
SSL-B,
NSL
AOSCA
Releases
Wildland shrub
seed collection
AGCR
diversification
Seed germination,
testing
Cultural practices
Pollinators and
predators
Genetic variability
Shrub transfer
guidelines
Common Name
Selection, seed
increase, seed
transfer
1
guidelines
Family
Species
Buy-back Program
(UCIA)
Private
Sector
Great Basin Project Research
X
BYU,
SSL-P
SSL-P
SSL-P
CSU
SSL-B,
OSU
SSL-B,
OSU
SSL-P
SSL-B,
NSL,
OSU
SSL-B,
NSL,
OSU
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SSL-P
SSL-P
BBSL,
CSU
SSL-B,
OSU
SSL-B,
NSL,
OSU
X
Aberdeen = Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID (St. John, Ogle)
AOSCA = Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies Cooperative Native Seed Increase Program
BBSL = USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory (Cane)
BYU = Brigham Young University (Anderson, Roundy, Johnson, Jessop)
CSU = Colorado State University, Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area (Hammon)
EOARC = USDA-ARS Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (Mangold)
132
FRRL = USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory (Johnson, Jones, Larson, Monaco, Peel)
NSL = National Seed Laboratory (Karrfalt, Vankus)
OSU = Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station (Shock, Feibert, Johnson)
Pullman = ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA (Johnson, Hellier)
SSL-B = USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory - Boise (Shaw, DeBolt, Cox)
SSL-P = USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory - Provo (McArthur, Jensen, Sanderson)
UCIA = Utah Crop Improvement Association (Young, Bouck)
Notes:
1. Crested wheatgrass diversification: studies.
133